The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making a much-anticipated return to Seattle after a long absence of nearly 12 years. Scheduled for Saturday at the Climate Pledge Arena, UFC Fight Night 252 promises an exciting lineup despite numerous challenges such as injuries and fight cancellations that have affected the card’s composition. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+, allowing fans to enjoy the action from the comfort of their homes.
The spotlight of the night centers on a pivotal bantamweight clash between the enigmatic former two-division champion Henry Cejudo and the rising star Song Yadong. Cejudo, boasting a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses, has an illustrious career highlighted by his title wins in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Along with legends like Conor McGregor and Amanda Nunes, he stands out as one of the few to have held championships across two weight classes simultaneously. Notably, Cejudo remains unique for being both an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling and a UFC champion, a feat he achieved with tenacity.
Despite Cejudo’s accomplishments, he enters this fight on a precarious two-fight losing streak, a situation he has never before encountered in his mixed martial arts journey. The question looms: can he avoid a third consecutive defeat, or will Yadong capitalize on this opportunity? Yadong, with an impressive record of 21 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no contest, is thirsty for victory and looks to establish himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division. Having previously headlined events with a solid 2-1 record, he knows what it takes to win under pressure.
Another intriguing matchup features Brendan Allen against Anthony Hernandez in the middleweight division. Allen’s resume speaks for itself, with 24 career victories, 18 of which come via stoppage. His submission skills are particularly noteworthy, as he holds the second-most rear-naked choke finishes in UFC middleweight history. Allen’s wrestling pedigree allows him to finish fights effectively, and he will be looking to extend his stoppage record against Hernandez.
Hernandez is not one to overlook either; he has made headlines with some outstanding performances, landing a staggering 62.9% of his significant strikes in UFC middleweight competition—a record that underlines his striking accuracy. An impressive outing at UFC Fight Night 245 also saw him set multiple single-fight records, showcasing his all-rounded abilities inside the cage. This fight could very well determine who makes a run towards title contention, as both fighters are eager to climb the ranks in a competitive division.
As we dissect the undercard further, it’s essential to highlight fighters like Rob Font and Ion Cutelaba. Font may not be on a winning surge lately, with a 2-4 record in his last six bouts, but his credentials are solid. His seven stoppage victories in bantamweight competition tie him for third-most in UFC history. With striking numbers that include record-setting outputs, Font’s potential for explosive success remains intact if he can rediscover his rhythm.
On the other hand, Ion Cutelaba, with a mixed record of late, is still a formidable opponent with impressive grappling stats, completing over 52% of his takedown attempts. He stands out in a division that increasingly values wrestling-based strategies. The light heavyweight landscape is diverse and turbulent, making every matchup crucial for fighters looking to secure their positions.
The fight card also introduces rising talents like Ibo Aslan and Jean Silva, both of whom have demonstrated remarkable finishing rates in their careers. Aslan, who has a perfect knockout streak shows aggression and lethal striking potential, while Silva seeks to climb the ranks following an impressive run of knockouts.
Furthermore, veterans like Andre Fili bring experience to the octagon, with his ties to significant records in the featherweight division, highlighting the balance of youth and experience present in this event.
UFC Fight Night 252 represents not just a return to a previously cherished location but also a clash of legacies, ambition, and statistics. As the fighters prepare to make their cases for title shots and career rejuvenation, the event encapsulates the ethos of the UFC—where every bout is a chance to make history. Fans eagerly await how this event will unfold, setting the stage for future narratives in the evolving world of mixed martial arts.