The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a triumphant return to Seattle, Washington, with UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena.
This event marks the promotion’s fourth visit to the Emerald City and the first since July 2013.
Main Event: Cejudo vs. Song
The headline bout features former two-division champion Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo facing off against rising bantamweight contender Song “Kung Fu Kid” Yadong.
Cejudo, 38, is renowned for his exceptional wrestling and tactical prowess, which have earned him titles in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Despite recent setbacks, including losses to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, Cejudo remains determined to reclaim his status as a champion.
He has expressed intentions to target current bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and even considering moving down a division to challenge flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Song Yadong, 27, hailing from China, has been making waves in the bantamweight division with his striking prowess and resilience.
This bout represents a significant opportunity for Song to establish himself as a top contender by defeating a seasoned veteran like Cejudo.
Co-Main Event: Allen vs. Hernandez
The co-main event features a middleweight rematch between Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez. The two fighters previously clashed in 2018, with Hernandez securing a decision victory.
Allen, known for his striking abilities, aims to avenge his prior loss, while Hernandez, a grappling specialist, seeks to reaffirm his dominance in the division.
Main Card Highlights
The main card also includes a 140-pound catchweight bout between Rob Font and Jean Matsumoto. Both fighters are recognized for their striking capabilities, promising an electrifying matchup.
Additionally, featherweights Jean Silva and Melsik Baghdasaryan are set to face off, with both athletes eager to climb the divisional rankings.
In the light heavyweight division, Alonzo Menifield will take on UFC newcomer Julius Walker.
Walker, a 6-0 prospect, was surprised to learn that his debut would be on the main card alongside prominent fighters like Cejudo.
A victory could potentially place him in the UFC’s top 15 light heavyweight rankings.
Preliminary Card Overview
The preliminary card is set to showcase a series of compelling matchups:
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan
- Featherweight Bout: Andre Fili vs. Melquizael Costa
- Middleweight Bout: Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Nick Klein
- Bantamweight Bout: Ricky Simón vs. Javid Basharat
- Catchweight Bout: Nikolay Veretennikov vs. Austin Vanderford
- Middleweight Bout: Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Eric McConico
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Rafael Cerqueira
These preliminary bouts feature a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each eager to make a statement and advance their careers in the UFC.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song will take place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.
The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET, followed by the main card at 9:00 PM ET. Fans can watch the event live on ESPN+.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the event went on sale to the general public on January 10, 2025. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets through the official UFC website or authorized ticket vendors.
UFC’s Return to Seattle
This event marks the UFC’s fourth visit to Seattle and the first since UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga in July 2013.
The return to the Pacific Northwest has generated significant excitement among local MMA enthusiasts, eager to witness high-caliber fights in their city.
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Fighter Preparations and Expectations
As the event approaches, fighters have been intensifying their training camps, focusing on strategy and conditioning.
Henry Cejudo, in particular, has emphasized his motivation to reclaim championship glory, viewing this fight as a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
Similarly, Song Yadong recognizes the magnitude of this opportunity to ascend within the bantamweight ranks.
Both athletes have expressed respect for each other’s skills, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The bout is anticipated to be a strategic battle, blending Cejudo’s wrestling acumen with Song’s striking expertise.
Safety Measures and Regulations
In line with state and local health guidelines, the UFC has implemented comprehensive safety protocols to ensure the well-being of athletes, staff, and attendees.
These measures include regular health screenings, sanitation procedures, and adherence to capacity regulations as mandated by Washington state authorities.
Looking Ahead
UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song promises to deliver an evening of high-stakes matchups and compelling storylines.
As fighters make their final preparations, fans eagerly await a night of intense competition and potential career-defining moments.
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