UFC Fight Night 252 Full Card Preview: Cejudo vs Song

Main Event: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong

A crucial bout in the 135-pound division sees former two-division champion Henry Cejudo face off against China’s rising star, Song Yadong. Cejudo, now fighting for the third time since ending his three-year retirement, is in desperate need of a win after consecutive losses to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili. While still one of the most decorated fighters in the sport, questions remain about whether "Triple C" can still compete at the top level after years away.

Song Yadong, on the other hand, remains one of the division’s most promising fighters but has yet to secure a true breakthrough win against elite competition. His recent losses to Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan show the level he still needs to reach, while victories over Marlon Vera and Ricky Simón highlight his enormous potential. At just 27 years old, he has plenty of time to develop, but another loss to a high-level opponent could stall his climb up the rankings.

With Cejudo’s Olympic-caliber wrestling and Song’s dangerous striking, this matchup will be a fascinating battle of styles. Cejudo’s fight IQ and championship experience may give him an edge, but Song’s youth, power, and durability could prove to be the difference-maker.

Main Card Bouts

Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez

A rematch seven years in the making, Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez will run it back in a middleweight clash that could determine a new Top 10 contender. Allen, ranked No. 9, saw his seven-fight win streak snapped in a decision loss to Nassourdine Imavov but had been in dominant form before that, submitting the likes of Paul Craig, Bruno Silva, and Andre Muniz.

Hernandez, riding a six-fight win streak, has developed into a relentless pressure fighter with excellent grappling. His dominant fifth-round finish of Michel Pereira in his last outing cemented him as a serious contender at 185 pounds.

Allen has long sought redemption for his 2018 loss to Hernandez in LFA, and now, with both men vastly improved, they will finally settle the score under the bright lights of the UFC.

Jean Silva vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan

Fans should expect an all-action fight when Jean Silva meets Melsik Baghdasaryan in a featherweight showdown. Silva, part of the surging Fighting Nerds team, has put together an 11-fight win streak, securing three UFC victories last year alone, including a Fight of the Night performance against Drew Dober.

Baghdasaryan, known for his crisp kickboxing, has been unable to build momentum due to injuries and inactivity but remains a dangerous threat in the 145-pound division. With both fighters possessing knockout power and an aggressive style, this matchup has bonus-worthy potential.

Rob Font vs. Jean Matsumoto

Originally set to face Dominick Cruz, Rob Font now meets Jean Matsumoto in a 140-pound catchweight bout. A longtime Top 10 bantamweight, Font rebounded from a losing streak by defeating Kyler Phillips last time out and now looks to make a run toward contention.

Matsumoto, an undefeated 16-0 prospect, has quickly impressed with wins over Dan Argueta and Brad Katona. This is a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup—Font’s elite experience and boxing against Matsumoto’s youth and momentum.

Alonzo Menifield vs. Julius Walker

Alonzo Menifield looks to get back on track after back-to-back stoppage losses when he welcomes UFC newcomer Julius Walker. A former DWCS standout, Menifield had a strong 4-0-1 run in 2022-23 before running into Carlos Ulberg and Azamat Murzakanov.

Walker enters the UFC with an undefeated 6-0 record, having secured regional titles and riding a nine-fight overall winning streak dating back to his amateur days. This bout will test whether Walker is ready for the elite level or if Menifield can reassert himself as a threat in the light heavyweight division.

Preliminary Card Matchups

Andre Fili vs. Melquizael Costa
Longtime featherweight veteran Andre Fili takes on Melquizael Costa in what should be an entertaining 145-pound contest. Fili, a 23-fight UFC veteran, is coming off a big win over Cub Swanson and returns to his home region of Seattle looking to extend his momentum. Costa, meanwhile, is 2-2 in the UFC and aims to build on his impressive stoppage win over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.

Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan
Expect fireworks when Ion Cutelaba meets Ibo Aslan at light heavyweight. Cutelaba, always aggressive, is coming off a gritty decision win over Ivan Erslan, while Aslan, a DWCS Class of 2023 graduate, scored two wins last year and has shown serious finishing ability.

Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Eric McConico
Nursulton Ruziboev returns to middleweight after a brief move down to 170 pounds, facing Eric McConico, who makes his UFC debut riding a five-fight win streak.

Ricky Simón vs. Javid Basharat
A pivotal bantamweight clash sees Ricky Simón take on Javid Basharat. Simón, a former ranked fighter, is on a three-fight skid, while Basharat is looking to bounce back after his first. 

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Nick Klein
Two DWCS graduates, Mansur Abdul-Malik and Nick Klein, collide at middleweight. Abdul-Malik impressed with a first-round stoppage in his UFC debut, while Klein secured a 37-second knockout on the Contender Series.

Nikolay Veretennikov vs Austin Vanderford 
Austin Vanderford makes his UFC debut on short notice, facing Nikolay Veretennikov, who aims to rebound from a split-decision loss in his first UFC fight. Vanderford’s wrestling pedigree meets Veretennikov’s striking in a classic stylistic matchup.

Modestas Bukauskas vs. Rafael Cerqueira
The night opens with light heavyweight action, as former Cage Warriors champ Modestas Bukauskas meets Rafael Cerqueira, who looks to bounce back after a tough UFC debut.

With Cejudo vs. Song Yadong headlining a stacked card, UFC Fight Night 251 is set to deliver excitement from start to finish. From crucial divisional clashes to breakout opportunities for rising prospects, this event promises plenty of action inside the Octagon.

ACE Leans

Note: These leans are not financial advice and are merely suggestions by our traders as to where they see the most value. Gamble responsibly.

Modestas Bukauskas Moneyline & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 2.37

Eric McConico by Decision @ 6.50

Nikolay Veretennikov By KO, TKO or DQ or Decision @ 2.15

Ricky Simon by Decision @ 3.50

Mansur Abdul-Malik By KO, TKO or DQ & Anthony Hernandez by Sub or Decision @ 2.28

Andre Fili by Decision @ 3.25

Ion Cutelaba Moneyline @ 2.50

Alonzo Menifield by KO, TKO or DQ @ 2.37

Jean Silva by Submission @ 7.00

Jean Matsumoto by Decision @ 2.10

Anthony Hernandez by Decision @ 2.25 

Yadong Song & Over 2.5 Rounds @ 1.83