Henry Cejudo Gets Rematch With Song Yadong Outside The Octagon

By FIGHT SPORTS 5 days ago

Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo (16-6) will face Song Yadong (24-9-1) in a freestyle wrestling rematch at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 15 on November 28 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, near Chicago.

The matchup, officially announced Wednesday, will headline the event, with Cejudo’s RAF lightweight crossover championship on the line.

The two previously met at UFC Fight Night 252 in February 2025, where Song won by unanimous technical decision after an accidental eye poke left Cejudo unable to continue.

Cejudo, an Olympic wrestling gold medalist, had previously expressed interest in a rematch with Song. He will now have the opportunity to avenge his defeat under freestyle wrestling rules rather than inside the Octagon.

Following their first encounter, Cejudo competed once more in the UFC, suffering a decision loss to Payton Talbott. He has since transitioned to RAF, facing former UFC bantamweight champion Urijah Faber and current UFC star Merab Dvalishvili.

In his most recent wrestling appearance, Cejudo defeated Dvalishvili in their second meeting to capture the RAF lightweight crossover title, which he will defend against Song.

Song, meanwhile, has continued his success in the UFC, recording consecutive main-event victories over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and Umar Nurmagomedov. The Chinese bantamweight will make his RAF debut against Cejudo.

The November 28 event will also feature several recognizable MMA veterans, including Donald Cerrone against Anthony Pettis, Clay Guida against Raul Rosas Jr., and Cody Garbrandt against Sergio Pettis.

Cejudo will attempt to avenge his UFC defeat while defending his RAF lightweight crossover championship against Song, who will make his promotional debut.