UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza: Fight Card, Preview and Timings

UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza is just around the corner.

The UFC's exhilarating four-week run of home games and a three-event residency at the APEX concludes this weekend with a stacked 12-fight lineup, headlined by a highly anticipated featherweight showdown between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza.

As the culmination of a series of home events, Saturday's fight card promises a thrilling spectacle, featuring ranked competitors in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, alongside several other must-watch matchups. This high-quality assembly of talent serves as a fitting conclusion before the UFC action shifts to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for UFC 294 next weekend.

Sodiq Yusuff vs. Edson Barboza Preview

In this week's main event, two formidable featherweights take center stage as Sodiq Yusuff makes his return to the Octagon after a hiatus of just over a year. Riding a two-fight winning streak and boasting a commendable 6-1 record since joining the UFC, Yusuff, a Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) graduate, looks to make a statement. Despite notable victories over Andre Fili and Alex Caceres, injuries and opponent changes have hindered his ascent in the rankings.

On the opposing side of the cage is Edson Barboza, a seasoned veteran with over a decade of experience competing in two different divisions. The Brazilian fighter, approaching 38 years old, remains a formidable force, evident in his recent second-round knockout victory over Billy Quarantillo earlier this year. Barboza's skill set, characterized by lightning-quick strikes, particularly his knees and kicks, reinforces his status as a constant threat in the competitive 145-pound weight class.

For Yusuff, this matchup poses both a formidable challenge and an ideal opportunity. Hovering just outside the Top 10 for the past couple of years, a victory over a seasoned campaigner like Barboza could significantly bolster his resume. Barboza, known for his speed and battle-tested resilience, is a tough adversary capable of giving any Top 15 contender a run for their money.

As the Octagon door closes, the question looms: Will Yusuff resume his ascent and continue his winning streak, or will Barboza secure a second consecutive victory, propelling himself back into the Top 10 rankings? The featherweight clash promises to be a highlight, capping off the UFC's successful APEX residency with a memorable night of intense competition.

UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza Fight Card

• Sodiq Yusuff vs Edson Barboza
• Jennifer Maia vs Viviane Araujo
• Jonathan Martinez vs Adrian Yanez
• Andre Petroski vs Michel Pereira
• Edgar Chairez vs Daniel Lacerda
• Christian Rodriguez vs Cameron Saaiman

Prelim Matches:

• Darren Elkins vs TJ Brown
• Tainara Lisboa vs Raven Oliveira
• Terrance McKinney vs Brendon Marotte
• Irina Alekseeva vs Melissa Dixon
• Chris Gutieirrez vs Alatangheili
• Ashley Yoder vs Emily Ducote

How to watch UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza | UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza Timings

UFC Vegas 81: Yusuff vs. Barboza will be live in India on 15 October 2023, Sunday from 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time on SONY TEN 2, and SONY LIV. The Preliminary card will be live on UFC Fight Pass from 1:30 AM Indian Standard Time.

What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments below.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments