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Dana White and the UFC are set to deliver another thrilling night of fights this weekend with a stacked UFC Seattle card, headlined by Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong. The event will take place at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, with Cejudo aiming to rebound from two consecutive losses since his 2023 return. The 38-year-old former champion will be facing a formidable opponent in Yadong, who has expressed confidence in his ground skills and knockout potential.
This bout not only headlines the UFC’s return to Seattle after a 12-year hiatus but also holds significant implications for the bantamweight division’s future. But who exactly holds the upper hand in the headliner? Don’t worry, because in this article, we will try and cover all the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters.
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Cejudo vs. Yadong height and reach comparison
Henry Cejudo‘s journey to MMA greatness didn’t begin in the cage—it started on the wrestling mat. Before stepping into the world of mixed martial arts, the Arizona native made history by winning an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling. After retiring from wrestling, Cejudo shifted his focus to MMA, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Throughout his career, he has amassed 16 victories against 4 losses, giving him an impressive 80% win rate. ‘Triple C’ stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall with a reach of 64 inches but his opponent holds the upper hand in both departments.
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Song, dubbed ‘The Kung Fu Kid,’ is 5 feet 8 inches tall and boasts a 67-inch reach. This 4-inch height advantage and 3-inch reach edge favor Song, potentially influencing the fight’s dynamics. The interplay between Cejudo’s wrestling acumen and Song’s striking range will be pivotal. Cejudo may aim to close the distance swiftly, mitigating Song’s reach by initiating clinches or takedowns. Conversely, Song will likely strive to maintain distance, leveraging his reach to land strikes while avoiding close-quarters engagements where Cejudo excels. The Chinese fighter has also built an impressive record in his MMA career, with 21 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw.
However, when it comes to winning percentage, he falls slightly behind Henry Cejudo. With a success rate of 72.4%, Yadong’s numbers aren’t quite as high as the former Olympic champion’s. Still, his record reflects the experience and toughness he brings to the Octagon—qualities that will be crucial in his upcoming showdown against Cejudo. Fans can anticipate a compelling contest where each athlete seeks to impose their game plan, making the most of their physical gifts and technical skills. But which of the fighters holds an advantage in size as well? Let us find out about it below.
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Who weighs more, Henry Cejudo or Song Yadong?
Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, is known for his ability to cut weight efficiently. Cejudo has spent most of his career competing in the flyweight (125 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions. While he steps on the scale at 135 pounds on fight night, Cejudo’s natural weight typically hovers around 150 to 155 pounds during training. Despite his smaller frame, his wrestling pedigree and explosive style make him a powerhouse in the cage. On the other hand, Song Yadong is a naturally larger fighter. He enjoys both a height and reach advantage over Cejudo.
Though he also cuts down to 135 pounds to make the bantamweight limit, Song is believed to walk around closer to 160 pounds outside of camp. His additional size gives him an edge in striking power and physical durability—factors that could play a significant role when facing a grappler like Cejudo.
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While both athletes will weigh the same on the official scales, Song Yadong carries more mass into the Octagon once the rehydration process begins. This size advantage could help him maintain distance and absorb Cejudo’s pressure. However, Cejudo’s speed and Olympic-level wrestling could neutralize the weight difference, making this an intriguing battle of skill versus size.
When these two elite fighters clash, every physical edge will matter. However, it’s their fight IQ and execution that will ultimately decide who walks away victorious. Who do you think will win between the two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Debate
Can Cejudo's Olympic wrestling overcome Yadong's size advantage, or will 'The Kung Fu Kid' reign supreme?
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What’s your perspective on:
Can Cejudo's Olympic wrestling overcome Yadong's size advantage, or will 'The Kung Fu Kid' reign supreme?
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