Morning Report: Henry Cejudo says UFC Seattle matchup with Song Yadong is ‘going to turn out to be a banger’
Henry Cejudo likes his chances at UFC Seattle.
Next month, Cejudo makes his return to the octagon when he faces Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Seattle. It’s the first fight for the former two-division champion in over a year, and though it’s a matchup not many expected, it’s one that’s been in the works for quite some time.
“I was originally supposed to fight him at The Sphere,” Cejudo said on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “They had offered him, but at that time I had an injury and I couldn’t make it to The Sphere. I talked to Hunter [Campbell] and he said, ‘Hey man, that offer, he still wants to fight.’ I want to fight him. I think it’s going to turn out to be a banger. Stylistically, we’re both little muscular humans and the only thing is Song is a little taller, but he probably cuts a lot of weight.
“Personally, I like the fight. I like the fight stylistically, as well. I think Song’s going to bring a lot of power, uses a lot of hands, but we also know that once you start doing some other things, he can be fading away just a little bit.”
Currently No. 8 in the UFC bantamweight rankings, Song is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299 in March. Still, only 27 years old, Song appears to be on the rise in his career, while Cejudo seems to be approaching the end.
The Olympic gold medalist retired from MMA in 2020 after defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249. He returned in 2023, falling short against Aljamain Sterling for the belt in his return fight, and then lost his most recent outing to now-champion Merab Dvalishvili. But at 37 years old and without a win in nearly five years, questions linger about how much Cejudo has left in the tank. But “Triple C” believes he’s going to show exactly what he’s got left come February.
“I really like this fight,” Cejudo said. “I have a good game plan set in place for a guy that is about 10 years younger than me. Song is a tough opponent but I like it. I can see myself stopping this dude. I really can.”
UFC Seattle goes down on Feb. 22 at Climate Pledge Arena.
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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Congratulations!
Solid promo.
PHILADELPHIA, WE ARE ALMOST HOME! @bareknucklefc pic.twitter.com/XgzSokssHG
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 9, 2025
Beef.
Who TF is “we” - you are a suit and the ones you wear keep getting cheaper and cheaper. You’ll be flipping through the clearance rack in no time…@TheNotoriousMMA https://t.co/WjW2pN4MOh
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 9, 2025
Stay ready.
For everyone asking, im waiting on a call, i already said yes to a couple of guys but then didnt go through.
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) January 10, 2025
8 weeks to prepare and im ready
Rampage is ready to scrap.
Rashad is a smart man. He’s right,so I’m not gonna lie. This ain’t no sparring match,i wouldn’t dare waste this opportunity. If you know me you know i wouldn’t do that to the fans https://t.co/bVMCfOcpK2
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) January 9, 2025
Super Sodiq knows.
I was thinking about the GFL the other day and it reminded me of a piece of forgotten MMA history. If you remember this, you're a real one. Who remembers the IFL rap song?
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 9, 2025
If you don't know about the IFL rap song, you’re missing out on the best entertainment of your life.
Whatever kind of day you’re having, after listening to the IFL song, I guarantee you it’s going to get better To be honest, I don’t even remember any fights that happened in the IFL. All I remember is the song.
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 9, 2025
The GFL earns a little more extra credit in my book because they’re paying our OGs and veteran fighters. But team MMA has been tried before and it flopped.
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 9, 2025
But back to the real question, what's the best bar from the IFL rap song?
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kevin Jousset (10-3) vs. Jonathan Micallef (7-1); UFC 312, Feb. 8.
FINAL THOUGHTS
First UFC event of 2025 on deck tomorrow. It’s not the best but it’s nice just to have fights back. Enjoy!
EXIT POLL
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