Former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon after a year-long hiatus. He will face rising bantamweight contender Song Yadong in the main event at UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The thrilling event is scheduled for Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET on the same platform.
Ranked No. 6 in ESPN's divisional rankings, Henry Cejudo is eager to reestablish himself in the title contention picture. He is coming off a two-fight losing streak, with recent losses to former champion Aljamain Sterling in May 2023 and current champion Merab Dvalishvili in February. Meanwhile, Song Yadong also enters this bout following a loss, having been defeated by unanimous decision by former champion Petr Yan at UFC 299 last March.
Brett Okamoto from ESPN interviewed Factory X MMA coach Marc Montoya to gain insights into the UFC main event. Additionally, ESPN betting expert Ian Parker provides his analysis on the main event and highlights other intriguing bets on the card.
Marc Montoya, Factory X MMA coach
How Cejudo Wins: For Cejudo to secure a victory, he must use his wrestling prowess to his advantage. If Song Yadong shows too much respect, Cejudo may capitalize on building momentum. While Song is both defensively and offensively fast, Cejudo can potentially control him on the mat and land effective shots from a top position. His cardio and fight IQ will be crucial in leveraging his wrestling skills.
How Song Wins: Song Yadong needs to focus on the fight rather than the opponent's reputation. Ignoring Cejudo's past achievements, Song should aim to target low calf kicks and body punches to disrupt Cejudo's strategy. This approach can help Song dismantle Cejudo's game plan and secure a victory.
X Factor: Cejudo's motivation for taking this fight remains unclear. If he lacks a concrete reason or strategy, it could impact his performance.
Prediction: Song Yadong is predicted to win, possibly achieving a finish in the later rounds.
Odds: As of publication, Song Yadong is favored to win (-280) and the fight is expected to go over 2.5 rounds. Despite Song coming off a loss, the odds reflect Cejudo's challenges since his return from retirement. Cejudo must establish control early with his wrestling to stand a chance, but if unsuccessful, Song is likely to dominate on the feet.
Prediction: Hernandez to win by decision. Anthony Hernandez has emerged as a formidable contender in the middleweight division, boasting a six-fight winning streak. His relentless pace and pressure often overwhelm opponents. While Brendan Allen is a skilled striker with strong jiu-jitsu, Hernandez’s pressure may be too much for him in a three-round fight. For those betting, Hernandez is a safer addition to parlays.
Prediction: Font to win (+130). Originally set to fight Dominick Cruz, Rob Font now faces late replacement Jean Matsumoto. Despite Matsumoto's undefeated record, this is a significant step up in competition for him. Font’s experience and resilience make him a strong contender, especially if he keeps the fight standing.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting bout and the entire UFC Fight Night card as these talented fighters prepare to showcase their skills.
