The enormous fight between the ex-Two-Division King Henry Cejudo and the young contender Song Yadong which is highly expected in the bantamweight class became a topic of conversation to all fans of UFC worldwide. In this match, one veteran with a lot of experience will face a young, talented and rising star in a striking contest at 135 lbs, it is sure to be a technical masterpiece.
When we look at the odds for this duel, Yuri delivers Song Yadong as a slight favorite to Cejudo, odds which show the young Chinese fighter’s recent improvement and explosive striking ability. Betting markets appear to have taken into account Cejudo’s long layoff and how he has been fighting. However, the view is shared by many analysts that his Olympic-style wrestling might be what makes the difference for him.
| Category | Henry Cejudo | Song Yadong |
| Age | 37 | 26 |
| Height | 5’4″ | 5’8″ |
| Reach | 64″ | 67″ |
| Striking Accuracy | 46% | 43% |
| Takedown Average | 2.53 per 15 min | 0.97 per 15 min |
| Win Streak | 0 | 2 |
Key Points That Affect the Match
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Wrestling Disparity
- Cejudo’s Olympic gold medal credentials
- Song is improving but still developing takedown defense
- Ground control potential favoring Cejudo
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Striking Dynamics
- Song’s superior reach and height advantages
- Cejudo’s calculated counter-striking approach
- Power differential favoring Song
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Career Momentum
- Song’s rising trajectory and recent impressive victories
- Cejudo’s challenging return after his last defeat
- Age and athletic prime considerations
Technical Chess Match
This matchup breaks down in a multitude of fascinating ways. The man, even in his late thirties, remains elite when it comes to wrestling. He changes levels beautifully and can chain together takedown attempts that make it quite difficult for individuals who have superior striking. Song’s takedown defense has notably improved in his last three fights; thus, one would dare believe that he might have an easy ride from Cejudo’s wrestling compared to the rest of his opponents.
Song stands out in reach and height over his opponent. His trademark is the ability to keep distance and still deliver a combination of strikes. The Chinese bantamweight has also shown great timing on his counter strikes, especially when opponents try to close the distance – which will be an important factor considering Cejudo’s need to get inside and implement his wrestling game.
Experience vs. Athletic Prime
The age difference cannot be ignored between these two opponents. Cejudo is 37 years of age, and naturally, he will start losing his speed and recovery due to age, while Song, at 26, is at the pinnacle of his athletic timeline. This differential may tell of itself in later rounds when cardio and quick-twitch muscle responses hold such prime importance.
Of course, the factor of championship experience cannot be overlooked. Cejudo has the experience of being a two-division champion and has been brought up to face fights in high-pressure situations. That mental edge could come in handy when it matters most in the fight, particularly in instances where the contest becomes deep-seated. Still, Song’s recent results look promising as he demonstrated level-headedness and strategic thinking against the absolute best opponents.
While understandable Song is favored because of recent performances and physical advantages, Cejudo’s wrestling ability and experience as a champion make him a very interesting underdog. The complexity of the matchup likely means that the odds do not fairly represent the multitude of ways a fighter can win.
Mapping the Routes to Victory
For each fighter, the path to victory seems clear. Cejudo needs to be able to combine his striking with takedown attempts, preventing Song from getting into his rhythm at range. Success will depend on his ability to control the pace and position of the fight, using his wrestling not only for takedowns but also to wear down his younger opponent against the cage.
Song will likely win because he can control distance, stop early takedown attempts, and leverage his better reach. Song’s footwork is going to play a vital role in stopping Cejudo from changing levels on him but also staying positioned for his more significant combinations. Forcing Cejudo to expend energy throughout the early frames, the rest of the fight would likely strongly go in the younger athlete’s favor.
Conclusion
This bantamweight fight is an intriguing stylistic contest between two top-level fighters in different phases of their careers. Song’s physical advantages and recent form make him a rightful favorite, but Cejudo’s wrestling background and championship experience are compelling reasons for an upset win. The fight likely comes down to which man can execute his game plan and shut down the other’s best moves. The contest, regardless of the outcome, promises to deliver high-level martial arts action and potentially reshape the bantamweight division’s landscape.
