Henry Cejudo returns for simply the third time since Could 2020 seeking to snap a two-fight dropping skid. The previous two-weight world champion and Olympic gold medalist will step into the primary occasion towards the up and coming, Tune Yadong in what, if the outcome doesn’t go his means, may very well be his final octagon outing.
At 38, Cejudo has achieved all of it within the sport of MMA. He turned the primary particular person to defeat Demetrious Johnson at flyweight, snapping his 14-fight profitable run and avenging his first skilled loss. He then went up in weight to seize the vacant bantamweight title earlier than vacating each and retiring.
He made his return virtually three years to the day after his retirement to conflict with then-bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, dropping by way of break up choice. Then he confronted the present bantamweight king, Merab Dvalishvili over three rounds, getting dominated all through.
Henry Cejudo – One Final Roll of the Cube
Set to headline his fourth UFC card (two PPVs and two Struggle Nights), Henry Cejudo will, for the primary time in a very long time combat somebody who isn’t within the title image (but). He’s confronted a whos who of elite MMA rivals prior to now and though Tune Yadong is without doubt one of the finest 135lbs fighters on the planet, he’s but to be really thought of within the title image.
A loss to China’s Yadong will all however put out his probability at ever turning into champion once more. At 38 and ranked #7, Henry Cejudo will give it one final roll of the cube on Saturday night time. Regardless of being one of the vital adorned (if not the, most adorned) wrestlers in UFC historical past, Cejudo’s takedown accuracy sits at simply 32%, averaging 1.99 per quarter-hour. In his previous two fights, he’s been the nail, relatively than the hammer when it comes to wrestling, being taken down 9 instances.
Yadong, then again, had the next takedown accuracy, nevertheless, lands far fewer takedowns, simply 0.66 per quarter-hour, suggesting that he isn’t eager to take issues to the bottom. Understandably so. He’s bought heavy arms, scoring 9 knockout victories throughout his profession, together with three throughout his final 4 wins. Cejudo has combined up his hanging model all through his UFC profession, initially beginning out pretty flat-footed and transitioning to way more karate-like model, with nice impact.
How Does the Struggle Play Out?
It’s an in depth one for positive. Tune Yandong has solely misplaced to the really elite in current instances, dropping fights to Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan final day trip. He’s youthful, arguably extra hungry and continues to enhance combat on combat.
Cejudo will likely be motivated coming into this one as he is aware of {that a} loss right here will probably see him drop the gloves within the octagon and name time on a terrific profession.
Yadong has by no means spent a lot time on his again, nevertheless, if Cejudo can get it right down to the bottom, he’ll probably have the sting down there.
Let’s go for the underdog, former champion, Henry Cejudo at +210 (on the time of writing) on this one.
Remainder of the Card
The Local weather Pledge Area is handled to a very good card this Saturday night time.
The co-main occasion sees the return of Brendan Allen, who clashes with ending machine, Anthony Hernandez. Allen is seeking to bounce again from a loss to Nassourdine Imavov, whereas Fluffy is seeking to prolong his win streak to seven straight.
Elsewhere, the always-entertaining, Jean Silva meets Melsik Baghdasaryan. With six cancelled fights, this card has taken an enormous hit because it was initially constructed. Undefeated Brazilian, Jean Matsumoto steps in to switch Dominick Cruz and conflict with Rob Font. He will likely be seeking to preserve his 16-0 report and break into the rankings. ‘Mr VanZant‘ Austin Vanderford makes his shock UFC debut on quick discover having gone 1-2 in his final three fights.
No matter occurs on the night time, count on a stable combat night time card in Seattle!
