UFC VEGAS 81: YUSUFF VS. BARBOZA ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW
The UFC’s four-week stint at the APEX in Las Vegas is coming to a thrilling close this weekend with a loaded 12-fight card headlined by a dynamic featherweight showdown between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza. This event, offering an array of ranked competitors and promising bouts, serves as the perfect send-off before the action relocates to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294 next week.
UFC Vegas 81 Main Event: Sodiq Yusuff vs. Edson Barboza prediction
In the main event, we are treated to an enticing featherweight encounter as Sodiq Yusuff squares off against Edson Barboza. Yusuff, hailing from Nigeria, is making his return to the octagon after a year-long hiatus, riding the momentum of a two-fight winning streak and a strong 6-1 UFC record.
While he has had to navigate various obstacles, including injuries and opponent changes, a victory over the seasoned Barboza would mark a significant achievement on his resume.
On the other side, Edson Barboza, the battle-hardened Brazilian veteran, aims to prove that age is just a number. Despite nearing his late 30s, Barboza showcased his enduring prowess with a second-round knockout win over Billy Quarantillo earlier this year, reminding everyone that he remains a potent threat in the featherweight division.
The main event not only represents a tough challenge for Yusuff but also a tremendous opportunity. A victory over Barboza could propel him into the coveted Top 10 ranks, which have eluded him for some time. However, the crafty Barboza remains a formidable obstacle with his lightning-quick strikes, especially his knees and kicks. As one of the most experienced fighters in the division, Barboza is capable of giving any Top 15 opponent a formidable test.
This main event clash epitomizes the ever-competitive nature of the featherweight division, where youth and experience collide. Will Yusuff continue his ascent in the ranks or will Barboza collect another win on his journey back to the Top 10?
Odds: Sodiq Yusuff (-175) vs. Edson Barboza (+130)
Our Prediction: Yusuff is one of the most underrated fighters in the featherweight division. He’s a well-rounded athlete with good wrestling and great striking. However, Barboza is a seasoned veteran who can knockout anyone on his best day. Having said that, the momentum seems to be on Yusuff’s side and we can expect him to get the job done.
Remaining Main Card Matches
The co-main event features an exciting battle between Brazilian veterans Jennifer Maia and Viviane Araujo, offering an opportunity for the winner to secure bigger matchups in the competitive flyweight division. The main card also showcases a bantamweight clash between Jonathan Martinez and Adrian Yanez, two ranked fighters looking to climb the division’s ladder. Additionally, fans can anticipate a fascinating bout between former welterweight Michel Pereira and Andre Petroski, who steps up to face him on short notice. Edgar Chairez and Daniel Lacerda aim to settle the score in a rematch, following a controversial no-decision in their last meeting. The main card kicks off with a battle of promising young bantamweights, Christian Rodriguez and Cameron Saaiman, who aim to make a statement in the 135-pound division.
The preliminary card presents featherweights Darren Elkins and TJ Brown in a gritty battle, and an all-Brazilian bantamweight matchup between Tainara Lisboa and Ravena Oliveira. Terrance McKinney and Brendon Marotte collide in the lightweight division, both seeking to make their mark in the octagon.
Irina Alekseeva returns to face promotional newcomer Melissa Dixon in a bantamweight bout, while Chris Gutierrez steps in to face Chinese veteran Alatangheili in a bantamweight showdown. The strawweight division starts the night with Ashley Yoder taking on Emily Ducote, offering a fresh beginning for both fighters in the highly competitive weight class.
UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Barboza is set to deliver a diverse mix of fights, encompassing a wide range of talents in various weight divisions. Yet, the spotlight shines brightest on the main event, where Yusuff and Barboza’s collision of youth and experience promises to be an electrifying contest that fans will not want to miss. This event marks an exhilarating conclusion to the UFC’s APEX residency before the action shifts to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294.
UFC Vegas 81 Main Card Odds
- Sodiq Yusuff (-175) vs. Edson Barboza (+130)
- Viviane Araujo (+110) vs. Jennifer Maia (-130)
- Jonathan Martinez (-110) vs. Adrian Yanez (-110)
- Edgar Chairez (-275) vs. Daniel Lacerda (+225)
- Christian Rodriguez (-130) vs. Cameron Saaiman (+110)
- Michel Pereira (N/A) vs. Andre Petroski (N/A)
UFC Vegas 81 Preliminary Card
- TJ Brown (-185) vs. Darren Elkins (+155)
- Irina Alekseeva (+115) vs. Melissa Dixon (-135)
- Heili Alateng (N/A) vs. Chris Gutierrez (N/A)
- Emily Ducote (-340) vs. Ashley Yoder (+270)
- Brendon Marotte (N/A) vs. Terrance McKinney (N/A)
- Tainara Lisboa (-380) vs. Ravena Oliveira (+300)
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