Sodiq Yusuff faces a stellar test as he seeks to continue his climb towards the top ten in the UFC Featherweight division when he clashes with veteran Brazilian-American Edson Barboza. The pair meet in the headline event of UFC Fight Night 230. These two were first billed to fight in 2020, but the matchup failed to happen. UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Sodiq is held this weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is available on ESPN+.
MMA: UFC Featherweight
Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 15.10.2023. 01.00
Sodiq Yusuff
The Nigerian is ranked number eleven in the 145-pound class. Defeated only once since a 2018 debut in the promotion, Sodiq Yusuff is a well-rounded fighter who can stand and trade or deploy his grappling skills if the occasion demands. Born in Lagos, the 30-year-old is on a two-match winning streak after dropping a decision to Arnold Allen in April 2021. The Dana White Contender Series alum’s last fight was on October 1, 2022, when he submitted Don Shainis with a 30-second standing guillotine on Nigerian Independence Day.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’ 9”
- Weight: 145 Ib
- Reach: 71”
- Record: 13-2
Edson Barboza
Joe Rogan described Edson Barboza as probably the best kicker in the UFC. The former Kickboxer is a striker’s striker famous for his dangerous kicking game. Debuting in the UFC in 2010, the Brazilian is also a Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Primarily a stand-up striker, he can use his grappling skills to escape a tight spot. The 37-year-old has a blotted record sheet of late, but a closer look shows that he has fought some decent names in the promotion. His knockout of Bill Quarantillo in Kansas City earlier this year showed that there’s still a fight in the veteran.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 37
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Weight: 145 Ib
- Reach: 75”
- Record: 23-11
Betting Odds
Soda Yusuff is a 1.61 favorite on Bet365, with Edson Barboza the 2.37 underdog. Over 3.5 is 2.1 odds on 1XBET, with the under priced at 1.73. Barbosa by KO/TKO is available at 2.875 on Betwinner. The favorite by decision is 3.95 odds on Betwinner.
