Sodiq
Yusuff won’t dwell on his loss to Edson
Barboza at
UFC Fight Night 230 for too long.
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The two featherweights engaged in an entertaining five-round bout
at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night. While Yusuff
started quickly, Barboza ultimately pulled away for a unanimous
decision triumph in a clash that was an easy selection for “Fight
of the Night.”
Neither fighter was present at the post-fight press conference, but
they did share a hospital space together after the bout. Yusuff,
who suffered just his second defeat in eight UFC outings, took some
time to reflect on the loss from his hospital bed in a video on his
YouTube channel.
“Everything in perspective,” Yusuff said. “It hurts a lot right
now, but I know at the end of the day I’m going to get past it. I
said it on the commentary after the fight: I was a good nail before
I ever was a good hammer, and I’m not just saying that. I had a lot
of bumps and bruises before I ever became that guy that you guys
see fighting on the TV. So because of that, I know I’ll be
back.
“Everybody out there has a fight, has a struggle that’s going on.
You guys just get to watch mine on TV. I dropped the ball
[Saturday], but the struggle continues,” he added. “That’s
fighting. No matter what you guys are doing out there, I wish you
the best in your struggle or your fight. I hope you guys come out
on top. For now, I’ve got to eat my ‘L.’ But I’m going to do it
with my chin up and continue to be a good nail until I’m eventually
a hammer again.”
The 30-year-old Dana White’s Contender Series alum showed resolve
by staying in the fight after he was nearly finished by a Barboza
spinning wheel kick in Round 3. While Yusuff revealed that he was a
little beat up from the bout, he didn’t suffer any serious injuries
during the 25-minute affair.
“My hands are banged up, and I think I might have dislocated my
shoulder, but outside of that, I’m OK,” he said. “I love you guys
that love me. I pour love into those of you that pour love into me.
Thank you for the support. I’m gonna keep my head up as I always
do. Leave the room better than you found it.”