Sodiq Yusuff won’t dwell on his loss to Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 230 for too long.
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.”
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