The main event bout of UFC Fight Night: Song Yadong vs Chris Gutierrez features an exciting bantamweight bout between the two fighters around which this card was built.
Song Yadong
Song Yadong, also known as “The Kung Fu Kid,” holds a record of 20-7-1-1. He is well-known for his striking ability, honed through his experience in Sanda, a Chinese form of kickboxing. Yadong has never lost a fight by submission and has a diverse skill set that includes grappling. His last fight was in April, where he secured a TKO victory over Ricky Simon, earning him the Performance of the Night award. Despite suffering an orbital fracture in a previous fight against Cody Sandhagen, Yadong has continued to demonstrate his resilience and skill in the octagon.
Chris Gutierrez
Chris Gutierrez comes into the fight with a record of 20-5-2. He is known for his striking ability, similar to Petr Yan, his originally scheduled opponent. Gutierrez lands more than 5 significant strikes per minute and has a solid defence against takedowns. Notably, he has never been knocked out in his professional career. His last fight was in October, where he won by unanimous decision against Alateng Heili.
Fight Analysis
The fight between Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez is expected to be a striking affair, with both fighters preferring to fight upright. Song is known for his explosive power and athleticism, while Gutierrez has demonstrated his capability to use leg kicks effectively and has improved his offensive skills. However, Gutierrez’s loss to Pedro Munhoz showed some of his limitations when pressured early in a fight. The odds currently favour Song Yadong, but Gutierrez’s defensive skills and ability to avoid strikes make him a challenging opponent.
The fight is anticipated to be closely contested, with Song Yadong likely leveraging his stamina and striking ability to gain an advantage in the later rounds. This matchup is set to be an intriguing clash of styles, showcasing the striking abilities of both fighters.
Fight Result & Highlights
Round 1 – The main event is underway… It’s a cagey opener. Both men having a good look at each other here. Not much happens through the first couple of minutes. The final few minutes of the first round end in very much of a kick battle. Song and Gutierrez almost showing each other too much respect at the moment as we head into the second.
Round 2 – Song has not been able to bring the hands into play at all. Gutierrez is seeing everything and landing some nice kicks whilst remaining just out of range. Annnnnd… we have an eye-poke. Song takes a minute or so to recover and Herb Dean gives a warning to Gutierrez. When the fight restarts, Song shoots. He gets the takedown and finishes the round on top. Gutierrez gets another warning for a fence grab. Song needed the level change and he may see that as a path to victory.
Round 3 – Song teases the takedown to start the third round but then comes upstairs with a huge right hook which lands. And we have another eye-poke. This time, it’s Gutierrez who is on the receiving end. Song has struggles to close the distance throughout and is yet to establish the jab. Gutierrez is doing a good job of maintaining the distance with short front kicks that aren’t doing much damage but they’re making Song hesitate. As the round draws to a close, Song begins to find a rhythm. He lands some heavy shots but Gutierrez slips the final shots of the combination. Gutierrez looks to respond but Song times a takedown perfectly to close out the round.
Round 4 – We’re into the championship rounds. Now, I have to apologise folks… I had some technical difficulties on my end and I’ve picked the fourth round up with both men on the canvas. Song is in top position. There’s two minutes remaining. Song controls Gutierrez for those remaining two minutes, landing a number of shots from Gutierrez guard. We head to the fifth.
Round 5 – Mark Montoya is telling Gutierrez that he’s down and needs to let it all go as we head into the final five minutes. What is Gutierrez doing? The fight is on the feet, where Gutierrez has done his best work, he reaches for an ankle pick, misses, slips to the ground and Song pounces into Gutierrez guard. Gutierrez has been dominated on the ground, so taking the fight to the canvas is absolutely going to confirm this victory for Song. Bizarre tactic from Gutierrez which has all but sealed his fate here. As expected, Song dominates and lands some solid shots to seal the victory.
Official Result: Song Yadong defeats Chris Gutierrez via Unanimous Decision (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)
Highlights:
Featured highlights credited to the UFC.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
