In a highly scrutinised match at UFC Seattle, Henry Cejudo faced a disappointing defeat against Song Yadong, marred by a controversial eye poke that rendered Cejudo unable to continue fighting. The incident occurred late in Round 3, leading to a technical decision awarded to Song, which left Cejudo expressing serious concerns about his eyesight, including symptoms of diplopia and soft tissue damage. This loss marked Cejudo’s third consecutive defeat since returning from retirement, intensifying his frustrations as he lamented the financial and reputational costs of the setback. Although both fighters expressed interest in a rematch, UFC CEO Dana White ruled it out, leaving Cejudo to pursue a potential bout with Petr Yan.
The Controversial Fight Incident
Henry Cejudo’s recent fight at UFC Seattle ended in controversy when an eye poke from Song Yadong left him unable to continue. This incident occurred late in Round 3, and although Cejudo fought valiantly until the round concluded, he reported severe vision issues as Round 4 began. The referee, Jason Herzog, had no choice but to halt the contest, resulting in a technical decision in favour of Song. The aftermath of this match has sparked discussions about the implications of such fouls in combat sports and the need for clearer regulations to protect fighters.
The fight’s conclusion raised eyebrows not only due to the contentious nature of the eye poke but also because it added to Cejudo’s unfortunate record since returning from retirement. With this loss, he now stands at 0-3 in 2023, which is particularly disheartening given his illustrious career before his hiatus. Fans and commentators alike have debated whether the fight should have continued or if a point deduction was warranted for the foul, a decision that could have changed the outcome significantly.
Health Concerns Post-Fight
In the wake of the fight, Cejudo revealed the extent of his injuries, which included diplopia and corneal abrasion, resulting from the eye poke. He candidly shared his concerns about his eyesight, expressing that his vision remains blurry and he still sees double. Cejudo’s visit to the ophthalmologist highlighted the severity of his condition, as he learned that had the impact been slightly different, he could have faced blindness. This reality check has made him more aware of the risks fighters take in the octagon, further emphasizing the need for fighter safety.
Cejudo’s health concerns are more than just physical; they have led him to reflect on his career and the challenges he faces following his return. He expressed feelings of disappointment and humility, acknowledging that perhaps it was time for him to reevaluate his approach to the sport. The emotional toll of the fight, compounded by the injuries, has left Cejudo in a vulnerable position, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of competitive fighting and the consequences of a single moment in the cage.
Cejudo’s Career Reflections
Following his loss, Cejudo took the opportunity to address his critics and reflect on his journey as a fighter. He expressed his disappointment not just in the outcome but also in the financial implications, lamenting the lost win bonus of $150,000. This moment of vulnerability showed a different side to Cejudo, who has often been seen as a confident and brash competitor. His comments about needing to ‘eat some humble pie’ resonate with many athletes who face unexpected setbacks, highlighting the unpredictability of sports.
Cejudo’s admission of doubt and the realization that he might have underestimated the competition serve as a reminder of the importance of respect in sports. His journey from a champion to facing challenging losses has been a humbling experience, prompting him to rethink his strategy moving forward. This introspection could be crucial as he prepares for his next fight, as it can lead to growth and improvement in his performance.
Future Fight Aspirations
Despite the recent setbacks and the controversial nature of his last fight, Cejudo remains focused on his future in the UFC. He has expressed a keen interest in a rematch with Song Yadong, reflecting his desire to rectify the disappointment from their last encounter. However, UFC CEO Dana White has poured cold water on the idea of an immediate rematch, pushing Cejudo to look elsewhere for his next challenge in the octagon.
Setting his sights on Petr Yan, Cejudo is eager to prove that he still belongs among the elite fighters in the division. His determination to return to winning ways is evident, as he seeks to regain his status and confidence within the UFC. Fans are left wondering how Cejudo will adapt in his next fight, especially after the lessons learned from his previous losses, and whether he can reclaim his place at the top of the sport.
**Fight Results:**
1. **Henry Cejudo** lost to **Song Yadong** by technical decision due to an eye poke.
2. Cejudo suffered from **diplopia**, **soft tissue damage**, and **corneal abrasion** after the incident.
3. Cejudo is now **0-3** since returning from retirement in 2023.
4. Cejudo’s last victory was in **2020**.
5. Previous losses were against **Aljamain Sterling** and **Merab Dvalishvili**.
6. Cejudo expressed disappointment over losing a potential **$150,000** win bonus.
7. Both fighters have expressed interest in a **rematch**, but UFC CEO **Dana White** has rejected the idea.
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