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When you talk about Brazilian fighting legends, the name Edson Barboza will inevitably feature. The 37-year-old, with a record of 23 wins and 11 losses, is poised to make his 29th appearance in the UFC ring. This seasoned veteran will once again step into the Octagon on October 14 at the anticipated UFC Vegas 82 event.
The upcoming bout is nothing short of exciting, as his challenger will be the young, dynamic Nigerian Sodiq Yusuff.
Yusuff's Rise to Prominence
At just 30 years old, Yusuff has already made a name for himself in the UFC featherweight division.
His impressive record of 13 wins and only 2 losses is a testament to his skill and determination. Having earned his UFC contract in 2018 with a victory over Mike Davis in Dana White's Contender Series, Yusuff hit the ground running with four back-to-back wins.
However, his journey hasn't been without its setbacks. A defeat to Arnold Allen in 2021 led him to contemplate retirement. But, displaying the resilience of a true fighter, Yusuff pulled himself together, returning to the cage to claim two consecutive victories against Alex Caceres and Don Shainis.
Currently ranked 11th in the featherweight division, Yusuff is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career.
Barboza: An Unstoppable Force
Barboza, currently ranked 14th in the featherweight division, may be statistically lower than Yusuff, but his prowess in the cage is not to be underestimated.
Alongside Allen, Barboza represents one of the most significant challenges in Yusuff's career. Barboza's devastating knockout of Billy Quarantillo earlier this year broke his two-fight losing streak and demonstrated he still has plenty to offer in the cage.
Known for his speed and technical mastery in stand-up combat, the Brazilian fighter will certainly test Yusuff's mettle.
Looking Ahead to UFC Vegas 82
Despite the anticipation, UFC Vegas 82 is yet to be officially added to the UFC calendar.
The event is expected to take place a week before the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. There is still no official confirmation for the Barboza-Yusuff match, but according to reliable sources, it's only a matter of time.
