SEATTLE – After the recent UFC Fight Night 252, Song Yadong didn’t have much to say.

One might have assumed he faced a tough defeat given his demeanor, yet as he addressed the media, including MMA Junkie, it was clear that Song (22-8-1 MMA, 11-3-1 UFC) had emerged victorious. He secured a win against Henry Cejudo (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) via technical decision, a result that seemed to weigh heavily on him.

“That was completely an accident,” Song remarked backstage at Climate Pledge Arena. “I’m not particularly happy about it. It happened, and I feel bad. I genuinely feel bad for Henry.”

During the fight, Song inadvertently poked Cejudo in the eye in the middle of Round 3. Although Cejudo opted to continue after taking the full five minutes provided for such instances, he expressed his concerns about the injury to his eye when he returned to his corner.

If Cejudo had chosen not to fight for the last minute or so after the foul, the match would not have gone the full three rounds and would have been ruled a no contest.

“I realized that it would have been a no contest if he had stopped after the foul,” Song admitted. “That’s why I feel so bad.”

During his post-fight interview in the octagon, Song requested a rematch. However, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea following the event.

In light of White’s remarks, Song shared that he is also interested in other potential matchups.

“My aim is to become the world champion, so I’m open to fighting anyone ranked above me,” Song stated. “If not Henry, I’m ready to take on (Sean) O’Malley. I’m available anytime.”

For additional details about the event, check out MMA Junkie’s dedicated page for UFC Fight Night 252.