Fight Preview
Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza will meet on October 14th at UFC Apex in Las Vegas in an explosive striker showdown.
Yusuff, an ex-DWCS veteran and current UFC fighter ranked 6-1 since joining in 2018, looks to extend his winning streak against Barboza, an experienced UFC vet with 23-11 record competing since 2001. Barboza boasts excellent striking precision and consistency making him one of the leading prospects at 145 pounds.
Yusuff has an extensive boxing background and holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, often acting as the aggressor. He utilizes leg kicks as set ups for more explosive strikes. In addition, Yusuff has shown the ability to defend himself when necessary during grappling exchanges.
Yusuff does have some limitations, however. While he makes for an effective counter-striker, his vulnerability to attacks from within makes him particularly susceptible to attacks from inside. Furthermore, his low kicks can be dangerously misdirected against less cautious opponents.
Therefore, it will be instructive to see how Yusuff fares against an experienced veteran in a standup bout. His recent victories against Paul Felder and Billy Quarantillo both featured Yusuff fighting on his feet for much of their respective fights.
Yusuff could make significant strides forward in his division if he could master hand-trapping his opponent and use their height, reach, and precision striking skills effectively to his advantage. If this were achieved, then Yusuff could make a strong push toward becoming one of the premier fighters within it.
Barboza brings his A game to the mat as well. At 37 years old, the former striker has scored numerous knockout and TKO finishes and held his own against some of the tougher strikers such as Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker in the 145-pound division.
Although both of these fighters are skilled grapplers, striking is their primary strength, so the fight is anticipated o take place mostly standing up. Sodiq Yusuff possesses excellent boxing skills and powerful blows, but he often gets shattered in the pocket. Edson Barboza is equally skilled at close range and has excellent hands.
Sign-up at BetUS TODAY and get 125% BONUS. Use the Promo Code BETUSTV125. Terms and Conditions apply.
Let’s check the latest picks, UFC news, stats and UFC expert picks for Yusuff vs Barboza. We’ve plenty of UFC Show predictions for you to consider.
Sodiq Yusuff vs Edson Barboza Fight Information
- Date: 10/14/2023
- Time: 09:15 PM ET
- Location: UFC APEX.
- How to Watch Yusuff vs Barboza: ESPN+
- Live Stream: BT Sport.com
.
