### Eye Poke Controversy Overshadows UFC Seattle: Cejudo vs. Yadong The recent UFC Seattle event, held on February 23, 2025, ended in controversy as former champion Henry Cejudo faced Song Yadong in a highly anticipated bantamweight clash. The fight concluded with a technical decision awarded to Yadong after an accidental eye poke rendered Cejudo unable to continue. This incident has sparked significant debate among fans, fighters, and officials regarding the officiating and the fight's outcome. Cejudo has publicly expressed his grievances, claiming he did not lose the fight, while Yadong has shown remorse over the incident, stating it was unintentional [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-jason-herzog-defends-officiating-henry-cejudo-complaints-song-yadong-eye-poke][https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-eye-poke-like-can-change-fight-mma-pros-react-bizarre-ufc-seattle-outcome-henry-cejudo-loses-technical-decision-song-yadong]. ### Breakdown of the UFC Seattle Incident and Reactions 1. **Fight Overview**: - The main event featured Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong, with the fight ending in the third round due to an accidental eye poke by Yadong [https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/43975874/song-yadong-tops-henry-cejudo-points-ufc-main-event]. - Cejudo was declared unable to continue, leading to a technical decision victory for Yadong [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ufc/henry-cejudo-eye-poke-song-fight-b2703518.html]. 2. **Cejudo's Response**: - Cejudo has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the fight's conclusion, asserting that he did not lose and calling for a rematch [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-henry-cejudo-grievance-eye-poke-did-not-lose-to-song-yadong]. - He shared updates about his eye injury, which included symptoms like double vision and corneal abrasion, further fueling the controversy [https://www.news9live.com/sports/mma-ufc/henry-cejudo-suffers-diplopia-and-corneal-abrasion-after-song-yadong-eye-poke-in-ufc-fight-2827523]. 3. **Yadong's Perspective**: - Yadong expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the eye poke was unintentional and reflecting on his own past injuries [https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-that-fault-song-yadong-addresses-eye-poke-incident-henry-cejudo-fight-reflects-past-injuries]. - He has since moved on from the rematch discussions, focusing instead on future challenges [https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/article/song-yadong-dismisses-henry-cejudo-rematch-after-eye-poke-controversy-why-it-is-easy-money-for-me-001704788.html]. 4. **Official Reactions**: - Referee Jason Herzog defended his officiating decisions during the fight, emphasizing the challenges referees face in real-time situations [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-jason-herzog-defends-officiating-henry-cejudo-complaints-song-yadong-eye-poke]. - UFC President Dana White has ruled out a rematch, suggesting that the organization should move forward [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-dana-white-opinion-not-interested-henry-cejudo-vs-song-yadong-rematch]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Controversy - **Injury Reports**: Cejudo's eye injury was confirmed to include diplopia and corneal abrasion, which are serious conditions that can significantly affect a fighter's performance [https://www.news9live.com/sports/mma-ufc/henry-cejudo-suffers-diplopia-and-corneal-abrasion-after-song-yadong-eye-poke-in-ufc-fight-2827523]. - **Public Reaction**: Fans expressed their discontent with the fight's conclusion, with many booing the decision and calling for accountability from the UFC [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mma/article-14426295/ufc-fans-boo-decision-seattle-song-cejudo.html]. - **Expert Opinions**: MMA professionals have weighed in on the incident, noting that eye pokes can drastically change the course of a fight and calling for stricter regulations [https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-eye-poke-like-can-change-fight-mma-pros-react-bizarre-ufc-seattle-outcome-henry-cejudo-loses-technical-decision-song-yadong]. ### Conclusion: A Controversial Ending with Lasting Implications The UFC Seattle event has left a significant mark on the MMA community, primarily due to the controversial ending of the Cejudo vs. Yadong fight. 1. **Cejudo's Claims**: Cejudo maintains that he did not lose the fight, citing the eye poke as a pivotal moment [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-henry-cejudo-grievance-eye-poke-did-not-lose-to-song-yadong]. 2. **Yadong's Remorse**: Yadong has expressed regret over the incident, indicating it was not his intention to injure [https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-that-fault-song-yadong-addresses-eye-poke-incident-henry-cejudo-fight-reflects-past-injuries]. 3. **Official Stance**: Dana White's dismissal of a rematch suggests a desire to move past the incident, despite ongoing fan and fighter dissatisfaction [https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-seattle-dana-white-opinion-not-interested-henry-cejudo-vs-song-yadong-rematch]. The implications of this fight will likely resonate in future matchups and discussions about fighter safety and officiating standards in the UFC.