Henry Cejudo, a name synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts (MMA), is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night 252. Having tasted the bitter flavor of defeat in his last two outings, Cejudo seeks to reclaim his place among the elite of the bantamweight division. With a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses (10-4 in UFC), Cejudo’s recent history includes a heart-wrenching split decision loss to current champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288, followed by another defeat at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili. Despite facing these setbacks, Cejudo boasts a formidable track record, having previously captured both the flyweight and bantamweight titles. His quest for redemption beckons, making this bout pivotal for his career.
On the other side of the cage stands Song Yadong, a promising contender with a professional record of 21-8-1 (10-3-1 UFC). Yadong is coming off a disappointing decision loss to former champion Petr Yan, which followed his impressive wins against Ricky Simon and Chris Gutierrez in 2023. These performances position Yadong as a serious threat, equipped with the skills and determination to exploit any vulnerabilities Cejudo might present in the octagon. As a -230 favorite in the eyes of betting odds, Yadong will be looking to solidify his status as a top contender by capitalizing on Cejudo’s recent struggles.
This matchup promises to showcase a clash of fighting styles that could either amplify Cejudo’s strategic acumen or highlight Yadong’s relentless striking abilities. Cejudo, known for his wrestling prowess and tactical IQ, will need to implement a game plan that neutralizes Yadong’s striking while simultaneously looking for opportunities to dominate the grappling exchanges. Yadong’s ability to maintain distance and unleash powerful strikes can counter Cejudo’s wrestling, making it imperative for the latter to engage on his terms.
For Cejudo, a victory is not just about bouncing back; it represents a chance to reestablish his dominance in a division that he previously ruled. Conversely, Yadong is chasing validation and the opportunity to leap into title contention. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both fighters enter the octagon on February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Fans around the world will be glued to their screens as these two talents square off.
With the fight set to be broadcast on ESPN+, anticipation is building within the MMA community. Cejudo, once a two-division champion, now finds himself in the role of the underdog but with everything to prove. As the main event approaches, expectations swell — will Cejudo reclaim his former glory, or will Song Yadong rise to new heights? The answer lies just beyond the octagon’s gates. The world will be watching closely as two combatants face off, with legacies on the line and dreams of championship glory at stake.