There has been a switch of opponents for UFC featherweight Edson Barboza (20-9). Originally, Barboza was set to headline an October 3rd event with Jeremy Stephens. However, that fight has been scrapped by the promotion.
The UFC has decided to move Barboza back a week and give him a new opponent. Per Combate and later confirmed by MMA Junkie, Edson Barboza will now take on Sodiq Yusuff (11-1) on the UFC‘s October 10th card.
Edson Barboza vs. Sodiq Yusuff in the works for #UFC on ESPN+ 38 https://t.co/nzpBoYgBv5
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 17, 2020
Big UFC Featherweight Matchup
Barboza has hit a bit of a rough patch over the past two years. Starting in December of 2017, Barboza has gone 1-5 in his last six fights. Of course, two of those fights were very close split decision losses.
Barboza decided to move down to featherweight in his last matchup against Dan Ige. After looking great early on, Barboza would fade late in the fight and two of the judges gave the fight to Ige.
However, the good thing to take away was the fact that Barboza made the weight, and he looked pretty good at the weight class. This could be a new start for Barboza’s career.
“Super” Sodiq Yusuff was featured on the second season of Dana White’s Contender Series. After winning an impressive decision in that contest, he’s gone 4-0 inside the UFC.
The Nigerian born fighter shows off incredible striking technique with great hand speed. He has really good power, and he’s extremely exciting to watch. In his last fight, he defeated the game Andre Fili by decision.
This fight is likely going to be slotted in the co-main event spot before the Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen fight. the UFC is putting together a solid card for their next round on Fight Island.