Henry Cejudo, known as "Triple C," enters this fight with a professional record of 16-4. The former Olympic gold medalist and UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight Champion has a decorated career, boasting wins over some of the best fighters in MMA history, including Demetrious Johnson, T.J. Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, and Dominick Cruz. However, Cejudo is coming off back-to-back decision losses to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, raising concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level after multiple layoffs. At 38 years old, Cejudo still possesses one of the most effective wrestling games in the sport, combined with an evolved striking arsenal. His fight IQ, experience, and ability to adapt make him a dangerous opponent, but his cardio and potential decline in speed could be factors against a younger and more active fighter like Song.
Song Yadong, the 27-year-old Chinese striker, holds a record of 21-8-1 (1 NC) and has quickly become one of the most dangerous bantamweights in the division. Known for his explosive power and crisp boxing, Song has finished notable opponents like Ricky Simón and Marlon Moraes. His recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows, securing dominant wins over Chris Gutiérrez and Simón but suffering losses to elite contenders Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan. Song’s striking is his greatest weapon, and if he can keep the fight standing, he has a chance to outstrike Cejudo. However, his past struggles against high-level wrestlers raise concerns about his ability to deal with Cejudo’s relentless takedown attempts and clinch control.
The key factors in this fight revolve around whether Cejudo can impose his wrestling and control the pace or if Song can land damaging strikes and push the pace in the later rounds. Cejudo’s experience in five-round fights, along with his championship mindset, gives him an edge, but Song’s youth and cardio advantage could play a crucial role. If Cejudo manages to mix in takedowns and control the grappling exchanges, he should be able to secure a decision victory. On the other hand, if Song can maintain distance and land clean shots, he has the potential to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Henry Cejudo via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46). While Song’s striking is a significant threat, Cejudo’s wrestling and ability to adjust should allow him to dictate the fight and grind out a decision win.
Last Five Fights
Henry Cejudo’s Last Five Fights
* Loss – Merab Dvalishvili (Unanimous Decision) – UFC 298 (Feb 17, 2024)
* Loss – Aljamain Sterling (Split Decision) – UFC 288 (May 6, 2023)
* Win – Dominick Cruz (TKO – Knee & Punches) – UFC 249 (May 9, 2020)
* Win – Marlon Moraes (TKO – Punches) – UFC 238 (June 8, 2019)
* Win – T.J. Dillashaw (TKO – Punches) – UFC Fight Night 143 (Jan 19, 2019)
Song Yadong’s Last Five Fights
* Loss – Petr Yan (Unanimous Decision) – UFC 299 (Mar 9, 2024)
* Win – Chris Gutiérrez (Unanimous Decision) – UFC Fight Night (Dec 9, 2023)
* Win – Ricky Simón (TKO – Punches) – UFC on ESPN (Apr 29, 2023)
* Loss – Cory Sandhagen (TKO – Doctor Stoppage) – UFC Fight Night (Sep 17, 2022)
* Win – Marlon Moraes (KO – Punches) – UFC Fight Night (Mar 12, 2022)
