Sodiq Yusuff Vows to Eventually Be a ‘Hammer Again’ After Edson Barboza Defeat

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.”