MMA Junkie Analyst Dan Tom Breaks Down the UFC’s Top Bouts: A Closer Look at the Main Event for UFC Fight Night 230

UFC Fight Night 230 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event will be streaming on ESPN+. One of the main attractions of the night is the main event between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza.

Sodiq Yusuff (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC)

Sodiq Yusuff, a member of Team Lloyd Irvin, is an orthodox muay Thai fighter with an impressive record. He has 6 knockout victories and 1 submission win to his name. Yusuff is known for his KO power, solid footwork, and dangerous right hand. He is also skilled in grappling and has a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Edson Barboza (23-11 MMA, 17-11 UFC)

Edson Barboza, a member of American Top Team, is an orthodox muay Thai fighter with a lot of experience in the octagon. He has multiple muay Thai accolades and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Barboza is known for his KO power, devastating leg kicks, and accurate spinning attacks. He has improved his boxing technique, particularly his left hand.

Point of Interest: Muay Thai Maelstrom

The main event features a clash of two highly skilled featherweight fighters who excel in muay Thai. Barboza’s training with Mark Henry has improved his footwork and fundamentals in boxing, while Yusuff is a well-rounded striker who targets every level of his opponent’s defense.

Point of Interest: Potential Grappling Threats

While both fighters are skilled in striking, there is a possibility of the fight going to the ground. Yusuff is comfortable in close-quarters combat and often initiates clinch engagements. Barboza has improved his counter-wrestling skills and has shown the ability to create separation even against strong grapplers. Yusuff also possesses grappling skills and shows solid awareness in transitions.

Point of Interest: Odds and Opinions

The odds and public opinion favor Yusuff, with Barboza being considered a live underdog. However, Barboza’s devastating striking and Yusuff’s questionable chin make this fight unpredictable. While leaning towards Yusuff, the official pick is for him to win by knockout in the second round.

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Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.