The anticipation surrounding UFC Fight Night 252 reaches a fever pitch as the organization makes its long-awaited return to the Pacific Northwest this Saturday in Seattle. This highly awaited fight card will unfold at the iconic Climate Pledge Arena, packed with thrilling matchups and a headliner featuring a former two-division champion. Fans are eager to tune in as the event promises to deliver an exhilarating evening of mixed martial arts.
For those looking to catch the action live, the main card is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) on ESPN+, while preliminary bouts will stream on the same platform beginning at 6 p.m. ET. As UFC continues to build its momentum, more broadcast details are expected to be released in the days leading up to the event.
At the center of the evening’s excitement is a match-up between two bantamweight stalwarts: Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong. Cejudo, the Olympic gold medalist and former champion, enters the octagon with a professional record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and an equal number of victories in the UFC. His accolades include significant victories over some of the division’s elite, including Dominick Cruz and T.J. Dillashaw.
However, the veteran Cejudo’s road back to title contention hasn’t been without hurdles. He made his return to competition after a brief retirement in 2020, only to face defeat against current champion Aljamain Sterling. Cejudo’s latest bout resulted in another loss to rising contender Merab Dvalishvili, raising questions about his viability in the ever-competitive bantamweight division.
On the opposite side stands Song Yadong, who boasts an impressive 21 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw in his MMA career, with a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest in the UFC. At just 27 years old, he possesses a notable youth advantage against the seasoned Cejudo, as well as a physical edge standing at 5-foot-8 compared to Cejudo’s 5-foot-4. While Yadong suffered a decision loss to the former champion Petr Yan 11 months ago, his track record shows resilience, as he has never lost back-to-back fights, making this matchup a pivotal moment in his career.
The excitement on the card doesn’t stop with the main event. The middleweight division also features a compelling bout between two competitors on diverging trajectories: Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez. Allen, with a record of 24 wins and 6 losses, aims to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Nassourdine Imavov last September. This defeat was notable as it marked his first decision loss in nearly seven years, increasing the stakes as he enters the octagon once again.
Against him stands Anthony Hernandez, who has had a tumultuous stint in the UFC, marked by fight cancellations but recently found his rhythm with six consecutive victories. His impressive performance also includes five stoppages, illustrating his capability to finish fights decisively.
Various other matchups further contribute to what promises to be a riveting fight card. Alonzo Menifield and Julius Walker will clash in the light heavyweight division, showcasing fighters who are eager to prove themselves. Meanwhile, Mansur Abdul-Malik will face Nikolay Veretennikov in a middleweight clash, making for competitive bouts that could potentially elevate the standing of the competitors involved.
The Stakes Are High
As UFC Fight Night 252 approaches, the significance of these matchups extends beyond individual fighters’ records. For veteran fighters like Cejudo, the outcome could determine the viability of their continued participation in title races. Meanwhile, for younger fighters like Yadong and Hernandez, wins provide crucial momentum necessary for climbing the rankings and earning rightful title shots in the future.
With such compelling narratives intertwined within the matchups, UFC Fight Night 252 is well-poised to delight MMA fans. Observing how veterans adapt against the rising stars of the sport will only add to the intrigue of the night. Fans across the globe are invited to tune in, as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization continues its legacy, fueled by the excitement of elite competition.