SEATTLE – Song Yadong was a person of few words after UFC Fight Night 252.
When you didn’t know higher, you’d think he’d just come off a devastating loss. But as he sat at the rostrum and spoke to reporters, including MMA Junkie, Song (22-8-1 MMA, 11-3-1 UFC) was a winner. He defeated Henry Cejudo (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) by technical decision – one which he didn’t seem very happy with.
“That was totally an accident,” Song said backstage at Climate Pledge Arena. “I’m not so completely satisfied with that. It’s what it’s. I feel bad. I feel bad for Henry.”
Song poked Cejudo in the attention midway through Round 3. Although he utilized all five minutes allotted to him for the foul, Cejudo elected to proceed the fight. It was when he got back to his corner that he openly complained to his cornermen and the commission in regards to the damage to his eye.
Had Cejudo not competed the ultimate minute-plus of the round after the foul, the fight wouldn’t have accomplished three full rounds and would’ve been deemed a no contest.
“I saw that (would’ve been) a no contest (if he had stopped when the foul occurred),” Song said. “That’s why I feel so bad.”
Song openly asked for a rematch during his in-cage interview. Nonetheless, UFC CEO Dana White shot that concept down after the event.
Given White’s comments, Song revealed there’s another matchmaking option that also interests him.
“My goal is the world champion, so whatever UFC gives me, I would like to fight the blokes who’re ranked above me,” Song said. “If not Henry, give me (Sean) O’Malley. I can fight any time.”
For more on the cardboard, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.
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