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SportsCasting
SportsCasting
Garrett Kerman

UFC Returns to Seattle with Cejudo vs. Song Headlining a Stacked Card

After more than a decade, the UFC is making its highly anticipated return to Seattle on February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena. UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song promises to deliver an electrifying night of action, headlined by a bantamweight clash between former two-division champion Henry Cejudo and rising contender Song Yadong. With a co-main event featuring Dominick Cruz and Rob Font, this event is shaping up as one of the most exciting Fight Nights of the year.

Cejudo’s Redemption Mission Against Hungry Contender Song Yadong

Henry Cejudo (16-4), one of the most decorated athletes in MMA history, returns to the Octagon for his third fight since ending a three-year retirement in 2023. The 38-year-old Olympic gold medalist and former flyweight and bantamweight champion is looking to break a two-fight losing streak. His recent setbacks include a split-decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in May 2023 and a unanimous decision defeat to Merab Dvalishvili in February 2024. Currently ranked No. 7 in the bantamweight division, Cejudo is eager to prove he still belongs among the elite.

Standing in his way is the No. 8-ranked Song Yadong (21-8-1, 1 NC), a 27-year-old powerhouse with knockout potential and a hunger for redemption after his unanimous decision loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299 in March 2024. Known for his striking and relentless pace, Song sees this bout as an opportunity to secure the biggest win of his career and enter title contention. The five-round main event will test whether Cejudo’s experience can outmatch Song’s youth and aggression. Cejudo has already started hyping the fight, taking verbal jabs at his opponent on social media, signaling that this matchup will carry plenty of intensity both inside and outside the cage.

Co-Main Event: Cruz vs. Font Adds Star Power

The co-main event features another intriguing bantamweight battle between former two-time champion Dominick Cruz (24-4) and No. 9-ranked contender Rob Font (21-8). Cruz, who hasn’t competed since December 2022, aims to make a triumphant return after recovering from injuries that kept him sidelined for over two years. Known as one of the greatest bantamweights in MMA history, Cruz’s unorthodox footwork and high fight IQ will be tested against Font’s heavy hands and striking precision.

Font is coming off mixed results but remains a dangerous opponent with notable wins over top-tier competition. A victory over Cruz would solidify his position as a legitimate title contender, while Cruz looks to remind fans why he once ruled the division.

A Stacked Undercard Completes the Night

Beyond the marquee matchups, UFC Seattle boasts an undercard filled with compelling fights:

• Edson Barboza vs. Steve Garcia: A featherweight clash featuring Barboza’s legendary striking against Garcia’s durability.

• Additional bouts featuring Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez, Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev, and Jean Silva vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan

Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song go on sale Friday, January 10, with fans eagerly awaiting their chance to witness history as the UFC returns to Seattle after more than a decade. With two former champions headlining and a lineup packed with talent, February 22 promises an unforgettable night for fight fans worldwide.

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