Song Yadong's Bold Sparring Challenge to Henry Cejudo on The Ariel Helwani Show
Song Yadong discussed his controversial UFC Seattle win over Henry Cejudo on The Ariel Helwani Show, expressing dissatisfaction with the technical decision. He issued a bold sparring challenge to Cejudo after the UFC denied a rematch.
Controversial Victory at UFC Seattle
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Song Yadong discussed his controversial win over Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle on February 22, 2025. The bantamweight bout ended in a technical decision after an accidental eye poke left Cejudo unable to continue. Yadong expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, noting that the victory felt incomplete due to the manner in which it was decided. The incident sparked debates among fans and analysts, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the stoppage.
Sparring Challenge Issued
At around the midway point of the interview, Song Yadong took a bold stance by challenging Henry Cejudo to a sparring match. With the UFC turning down an immediate rematch, Yadong proposed this alternative to settle the unresolved tension from their fight. He described the potential sparring session as a way to prove himself beyond the controversial finish, emphasizing his desire for a definitive conclusion. This challenge has garnered attention, as reported in posts found on X, highlighting Yadong's determination to face Cejudo again under different circumstances.
Reflections on the Eye Poke Incident
Towards the latter part of the discussion, Yadong addressed the eye poke incident in detail. He acknowledged the accidental nature of the strike but maintained that such occurrences are part of the sport. He expressed respect for Cejudo's career achievements while standing firm on his belief that the fight's outcome did not fully reflect his capabilities. Yadong's comments shed light on the complexities of in-fight injuries and the impact of technical decisions on a fighter's record and reputation.
What's Next for Song Yadong
Closing out the segment on The Ariel Helwani Show, Yadong shared his focus on future opportunities within the UFC bantamweight division. He reiterated his readiness to take on top contenders and his commitment to improving his skills. While the sparring challenge to Cejudo remains a point of interest, Yadong also emphasized his broader goal of climbing the ranks and securing significant matchups. His appearance on the show underscored his ambition and resilience following the controversial bout at UFC Seattle.
