In the last UFC Fight Night of 2023, a bantamweight battle unfolded between Chris Gutierrez and Song Yadong at The APEX in Las Vegas. Both fighters sought to extend their winning streaks from previous matches and carry the momentum into 2024. Gutierrez had secured a unanimous decision victory over Alatenheiri in October, while Song had claimed a fifth-round knockout win over Ricky Simon in August.
The initial exchanges between the two 135-pounders were cautious, with both focusing on attacking the lead leg. Throughout the fight, Song maintained control of the octagon and set the pace, leading to a closely contested match until the later rounds.
In the fourth round, Song Yadong capitalized on Gutierrez’s leg kick, executing a sweep to gain top control for the first time in the bout, which he maintained for the rest of the round. As they entered the fifth round, Gutierrez attempted a desperate leglock, but Song anticipated it and swiftly regained top control. Despite Gutierrez’s efforts to position himself against the cage wall, Song managed to pin him to the ground and deliver punishing blows until the final horn.
Official result: Song Yadong def. Chris Gutierrez by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-45)
