The world’s biggest mixed martial arts promotion continues its packed schedule in 2023, with UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Barboza taking place this Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the name implies, this event is headlined by a cracking featherweight clash between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza.
While title fights and big pay-per-views are naturally the events that draw the most attention in the UFC, there’s something equally as exciting about two well matched fighters squaring off in a bid to climb one rung higher on the ladder. With Yusuff sitting at No. 11 in the featherweight division and Barboza two spots behind him, neither man will be walking away with a title fight in the calendar if they win this clash, but there’s plenty on the line at the same time.
We break down all the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill ahead of Yusuff vs. Barboza and outline the best bets to make on the UFC this weekend.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 12th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
It’s tight fight in the odds at bookmaker William Hill, with the oddsmakers slightly favouring Sodiq Yusuff in this one. The Nigerian pays 1.61 to win, marginally ahead of Edson Barboza’s odds of 2.30. All this to say, this one will be close.
While Yusuff might be the favourite in the outright betting odds, the method of victory that bookmaker William Hill is favouring the most is actually Barboza winning by knockout. This result pays 2.90, just ahead of a Yusuff knockout at 3.40 and a Yusuff decision at 3.75. Barboza isn’t given much of a chance to go the distance and win, with odds of 7.50 for a decision. On the mat, the younger fighter is given the edge, with Yusuff at 5.50 to submit, while Barboza is at 23.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 12th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
This is a fascinating match-up, with both fighters excelling in the striking game courtesy of their Muay Thai backgrounds. Expect this bout to be fast and furious as each looks to unload a high volume of strikes and come out of the blocks quickly. Chances are Yusuff will take the fight to the ground at some stage, where he’ll be able to accrue some good points.
While Barboza certainly has the skill and power to finish this one, as his knockout against Billy Quarantillo demonstrated earlier this year, we say the best bet here is to back Yusuff to win outright. The returns might not be great, but considering the Nigerian could easily win this through knockout, stamina, or a submission, the best route is simply wagering on him to prevail and taking the 1.61 return.
