Sodiq Yusuff opens up on Edson Barboza loss from hospital bed: ‘I dropped the ball’

Sodiq Yusuff faced off against Edson Barboza in an intense battle at UFC Fight Night 230, leaving both fighters requiring a trip to the hospital.

Barboza (24-11 MMA, 18-11 UFC) exhibited incredible resilience to emerge victorious over Yusuff (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in their five-round clash, which earned them the Fight of the Night recognition. The thrilling featherweight main event unfolded at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Yusuff came close to securing a finish against Barboza within the first minute of the fight. However, Barboza weathered the storm and ultimately won by unanimous decision. Yusuff released a statement about the loss while still in the hospital, with Barboza receiving treatment right behind him.

“At the moment, it hurts a lot, but I know I will overcome this setback,” Yusuff shared in a video on his YouTube channel. “As I mentioned during the fight commentary, I was a good nail before becoming a good hammer. I truly mean that. I faced many challenges before becoming the fighter you see on TV. Given my past experiences, I am confident that I will bounce back.

“Everyone out there has their own struggles and fights. You all get to witness mine on TV. I may have faltered today, but the struggle continues. That’s the nature of fighting. Whatever battles you’re facing, I wish you the best. I hope you come out on top. As for me, I have to accept this defeat. But I will do it with my head held high and continue being a good nail until I regain my status as a hammer.”

The loss ended Yusuff’s two-fight winning streak. The 30-year-old fighter has emerged victorious in 8 of his last 10 bouts.

For more information about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 230.

The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie