LAS VEGAS – Sodiq Yusuff recognizes the moment is elevated, but he feels ready for it.
At UFC Fight Night 230 on Saturday, Yusuff (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will headline for the first time in the promotion when he takes on Edson Barboza (23-11 MMA, 17-11 UFC) at the UFC Apex.
“It feels natural,” Yusuff told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “When I first got it, it was a little bit surreal. But the closer and closer I got, this is like this is the destined path. I feel like I’ve spent enough time here and I’ve gotten enough eyeballs on me to where the company feels like I deserve it. When Saturday comes, you’ve just got to go out there and put on a good show so they give you another one.”
To fight an established veteran with widespread notoriety, Yusuff is honored by the matchup but focused on the task at hand. Barboza has 28 UFC fights under his belt and a highlight reel most combatants could only dream of.
“They originally gave me that name for Abu Dhabi, but I couldn’t make it because of passport problems,” Yusuff said. “So I thought it was an opportunity that I already missed. So when they brought it back around, it was a yes, definitely. Edson is a legend. That’s a name I’d love to have under my resume.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 230.
