The world of mixed martial arts is set for an exciting showdown as former two-division champion Henry Cejudo returns to the Octagon on February 22 in Seattle, taking on rising bantamweight contender Song Yadong. This highly anticipated event promises to deliver not only fireworks in the main event but compelling matchups throughout the card, particularly in the co-main event featuring notice-worthy fighters.
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Henry Cejudo (16-4) is known for his unparalleled skill set and impressive accolades, including an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling. Despite his remarkable career, Cejudo’s journey back into championship contention has been rocky since his unexpected retirement in 2020. Having only fought twice since returning, he faced Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 and, more recently, Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, where he fell short in both encounters. Now, Cejudo stands at a crossroads; a victory over Yadong would not only reinstate him as a serious title contender but could serve to revitalize his career. With Cejudo declaring he would retire again should he lose, the stakes could not be higher.
Song Yadong (21-8-1), a 27-year-old striker from China, enters this fight after a notable loss to former champion Petr Yan. Yadong is known for his dynamic striking and adaptability in the cage, but like Cejudo, he has faced his share of setbacks—his previously mentioned loss to Cory Sandhagen hasn’t helped his ascent either. Fighting in Seattle, Yadong could draw significant support from the Chinese community, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup. A win against Cejudo would undoubtedly elevate Yadong’s status in the bantamweight division.
The co-main event features another thrilling bantamweight matchup between No. 9 contender Rob Font and former two-time champion Dominick Cruz. Font (21-8) is known for his aggressive fighting style and has managed to win two of his last six fights. However, he comes off a decision victory over Kyler Phillips that could reignite his momentum. On the flip side, Cruz (24-4), at 39 years of age, is coming back after a lengthy layoff and loss to Marlon Vera in 2022. As the first-ever bantamweight champion, Cruz has left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his elusive movement and tactical acumen, Cruz has the ability to turn the tides against any opponent. His matchup against Font is equally pivotal, as a victory could set the former champion back on a path toward title contention.
The undercard also boasts several intriguing matchups that serve to showcase both seasoned veterans and promising prospects. A standout fight features a rematch between Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez. Both fighters will carry the weight of their past encounter, as Hernandez handed Allen a decision loss in 2018 that remains fresh in their minds. With stakes high, fans should expect a fierce battle between these two middleweights vying for the boost in rankings.
Additionally, Brazil’s Joaquim Silva and Armenia’s Melsik Baghdasaryan promise to deliver fireworks with their contrasting fighting styles. Silva is rapidly establishing himself as a top prospect in the UFC landscape, while Baghdasaryan’s striking proficiency creates a compelling conflict of styles. The matchup between Germany’s Islam Dulatov and Adam Fugitt is another one to watch, as both fighters are eager to claim their positions in a competitive heavyweight division.
Amid all the excitement, the UFC is also working to include Spokane’s own Michael Chiesa on the card, adding a local favorite into the mix, which can only enhance the event’s appeal.
As UFC Fight Night approaches, fans are left with a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the many narratives that will unfold in Seattle. From Henry Cejudo’s tumultuous return to the Octagon to the co-main spectacle of Cruz vs. Font, this event epitomizes the unpredictable and thrilling nature of mixed martial arts. Whether it’s the seasoned veterans fighting to reclaim glory or the rising stars eager to create their legacy, each bout promises to deliver captivating moments and thrilling competition. With so much riding on these matchups, February 22 is a date to circle on the calendar for MMA enthusiasts.
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