Henry Cejudo’s fight against Song Yadong at UFC Seattle ended in controversy after an accidental eye poke in the third round left him unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog halted the fight, allowing Cejudo five minutes to recover while a ringside physician assessed his condition.
Although Cejudo initially chose to continue, he later told his corner that he could not see, leading to the fight’s stoppage. Since three full rounds had been completed, the judges’ scorecards were tallied, and Song was awarded the win by technical decision.
Cejudo’s Injury, Controversy Over Eye Poke, and Debate on Referee’s Decision
Following the fight, Cejudo posted an image of his injured eye, revealing that he suffered from diplopia (double vision), soft tissue damage, and a corneal abrasion. Despite the visible injury, critics accused him of using the eye poke as an excuse to exit the fight. In response, Cejudo defended himself by emphasizing the severity of his condition, highlighting that double vision made it impossible for him to continue effectively.
Referee Jason Herzog did not penalize Song Yadong for the eye poke, which played a crucial role in determining the fight’s outcome. The official scorecards read 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Song. Had a point been deducted, the fight would have resulted in a majority draw rather than a technical decision win for Song. This decision sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some arguing that Song should have been penalized for the foul.
Cejudo’s Hospital Visit, Speculation, and UFC’s Rejection of a Rematch Request
Instead of attending the post-fight press conference, Cejudo was taken to a local Seattle hospital for further evaluation and treatment. His absence fueled speculation, with some questioning whether he could have continued. Meanwhile, Song Yadong celebrated his victory, though the circumstances of the stoppage overshadowed the fight. The controversy surrounding the decision left a lingering discussion about the fairness of the outcome.
In the aftermath, Cejudo expressed his desire for a rematch to settle the dispute. However, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea, stating, “I just don’t want to see it again.” With White’s comments, any immediate rematch appeared unlikely, leaving Cejudo with limited options for redemption. Ultimately, the fight’s conclusion left both fighters in an uncertain position, with Song moving forward in the division while Cejudo’s future remained unclear.