The last UFC event of February takes place in the Pacific Northwest tonight. Former double champ and Olympic Gold Medalist (wrestling) Henry Cejudo is set to take on surging contender Song Yadong in a very interesting Men's Bantamweight Fight that may grant the winner a title shot or at least place the victor right dead center in the middle of the championship conversation. Cejudo is ranked #7 and Song is #8, but this fight feels even bigger than your average top ten contest.
Henry Cejudo has not been victorious in the octagon in nearly a half a decade, and he took a three year break during this time period as well. I still think he's got the talent to be the champ but I haven't been proved correct quite yet. Cejudo's last two losses are against the former UFC Bantamweight Champion and the current UFC Bantamweight Champion, for those reasons I hesitate to completely label Cejudo as washed. Even if he's not fully washed, father time is approaching all the while and soon this attempt at a comeback may be looked back on with some regret.
Cejudo is facing an absolute tank of a fighter in Song Yadong. Song has quietly had a very good career in the UFC since he made his debut in 2017 when Bisping and Gastelum fought in China. Crazy how time flies. Even after all that time, Song is only 27 years old in the prime of his career AND eleven years younger than Cejudo which is usually a big statistical advantage unless you're Jared Cannonier last week LOL. In the UFC, Song has lost only to Kyler Phillips, Corey Sandhagen and Petr Yan. Not a terrible list really.
Honestly this is a massive fight that is going to impact both these fighters' legacies in a big way. Song gets overall the biggest fight of his career considering where he himself sits in the division. Cejudo offers a balance of ranking growth AND just a massive name to hopefully add to his list of victories and enhance his legacy big time. It's a win he could certainly be proud of and will give him a notable boost in clout and respect.
For Cejudo he is doing the right thing by taking on a hungry prospect. A win over a much younger, surging fighter is always respected and I have a feeling a win over Song Yadong in 2025 will age greatly even after Cejudo retires considering Song could easily fight for the next decade and could win gold one day.
I think Cejudo turns back the clock. I think his determination and competitive nature is going to shine especially considering his retirement is around the corner. Cejudo may be loud and outspoken but the guy is pretty intelligent and fierce. I just think tonight is Cejudo's night.
The main event looks excellent and the co-main event is also a sneaky good and big fight in the Men's Middleweight division. #9 Brendan Allen and #12 Anthony Hernandez fight in what is a rematch from over seven years ago that saw Hernandez be the victor. Both guys have a similar high cardio, well-rounded, grappling-leaning style of fighting that could definitely lead to chaos in the octagon. I got Hernandez winning, he just seems s bit sharper than Allen in several areas.
I am ready for a nice night of battles. Some other notable fighters I notice scanning the even are Ricky Simon, Andre Fili, Ion Cutelaba, Alonzo Menifield and Rob Font.
Let's go, should be a good time.
