Fans in shock as crowd boos referee and organizers after controversial UFC Fight Night main event

For the first time since 2013, UFC returned to Seattle, but the event was far from flawless.

The main event featured a showdown between Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo. The fight lasted three rounds before it was unexpectedly stopped.

During the bout, Yadong accidentally poked Cejudo in the eye. The referee granted the required five-minute timeout for recovery, which Cejudo used in full. This incident alone sparked a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Between rounds, Cejudo told his corner he was experiencing discomfort and significant vision problems.

Both fighters were ready to start the fourth round when the referee suddenly called the doctor into the cage, who advised stopping the fight.

Since more than half of the scheduled rounds had been completed, the outcome was determined by the judges’ scorecards. The victory was awarded to Song Yadong.

As the winner was announced, the crowd erupted in boos, voicing their frustration with the decision. Fans also took to social media to express their outrage over the officiating.

"Horrible job by the ref. The card was so good until this," one user wrote.

"That was one of the strangest endings I’ve ever seen," another fan commented.

Earlier, it was reported that Ilia Topuria has decided to change divisions, leaving his championship title vacant.