Henry Cejudo’s UFC Seattle eye poke controversy continues to drum up a storm; so much so that it’s even got his former rivals coming to his aid.
The controversial conclusion to UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs Song will remain a major talking point for the foreseeable future; with criticism being levied against both athletes, as well as the UFC gloves.
However, there have also been plenty of familiar faces coming out in defense of Henry Cejudo, including the man currently reigning supreme over the bantamweight division.
Merab Dvalishvili comes to Henry Cejudo’s defense over eye poke controversy
Since that controversial ending to UFC Seattle, a whole host of fighters have come out in defense of Cejudo – including one of his former foes, 135lb champion Merab Dvalishvili.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Dvalishvili described the situation as “unfortunate” before taking aim at Song Yadong over him fighting with outstretched fingers.
“I know that it’s unfortunate that he got eye poked, you know, he said that he wasn’t able to see, and I understand man.
“I mean, I don’t understand why people are fighting like this [with outstretched fingers] – when you’re fighting, you have to f—– make a fist.”
Dvalishvili defeated Cejudo in February 2024 and claimed the UFC bantamweight title just a few months later – Dana White recently hinted at Dvalishvili’s next title defense will be a rematch against Sean O’Malley.
“I know the UFC gloves are b—– but you have to still do this [makes fist],” concluded the Georgian wrecking ball, adding in no uncertain terms, “So why fight like this, it’s b——!”
More fighters come to Cejudo’s defense after UFC Seattle’s sore end
Dvalishvili certainly isn’t the only UFC fighter to come to Henry Cejudo’s defense, with a string of former opponents, champions, and household names backing ‘Triple C’ over the UFC Seattle controversy.
Veteran Jim Miller took to X to state that “If only humans could control their fingers, then these accidents wouldn’t keep happening,” inside the UFC octagon.
“I’ve been poked twice in fights, and both caused permanent damage to my vision. Will it take someone losing an eye before pokes start being penalized?”
Aljamain Sterling compared criticism of Cejudo to those who accused him of faking an injury against Petr Yan, writing “Remember guys, he’s faking it,” followed by a face-palm emoji.
Sterling would also take aim at the UFC gloves: “Those stupid effing gloves don’t curve! Idk why it’s taking so long to change it to something better.”
That being said, there are also plenty of well-known names who believe that Cejudo essentially ‘quit’ with his blurred-vision admission.
“Henry knew he had nothing left for Song,” said Sean O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch on X, with former foe Demetrious Johnson calling for Cejudo to call it quits – this time, for good.
“Would I like to see Henry Cejudo retire? Yeah, I think so. He’s beaten me, flyweight champion, defended the belt, bantamweight champion… That’s more than half of the m—–f—— on the roster are ever going to do.
“[The] man almost went blind… He’s got a great podcast with Kamaru Usman, two beautiful children, beautiful wife, businesses, there’s no reason to fight and keep risking his health.”