With an eye on the featherweight elite, Edson Barboza and Sodiq Yusuff lead UFC Las Vegas 81 this Saturday

S. Yusuff and E. Barboza will face each other in the UFC Las Vegas 81 (Photo: Reproduction/UFC)

O UFC Las Vegas 81, which takes place this Saturday (14), could mark a 'passing of the baton' in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg). In the main fight of the show, the experienced Brazilian Edson Barboza will share the octagon with the Nigerian prospect Sodiq Yusuf. In total, 11 fights are scheduled for the card with another six Brazilians scheduled.

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One of the most experienced athletes on the Ultimate squad, the Brazilian Edson Barboza recovered from the delicate phase he experienced between 2021 and 2022 by winning Billy quarantillo at the beginning of 2023. Thirteenth in the featherweight rankings, the Brazilian athlete is trying to make a sort of 'last run' for the belt, but to do so he will need to overcome a tough and talented opponent.

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On the other side of the cage, there will be the prospect Sodiq Yusuf, eleventh in the ranking and who will need to get past Edson to keep his dream of reaching the elite of the category alive. The Nigerian is going through an excellent phase in the organization and has lost just one of his last nine fights in the most famous octagon in the world.

Brazil on the card

In the co-main fight of the show, we will have a duel between Brazilians ranked in the women's flyweight division. Having a good time in the octagon, with two consecutive victories, the former challenger Jennifer maia tries to mend the trio, dreaming of a new chance to fight for the world title. However, on the other side of the cage, there will be your compatriot Viviane Araujo, who is coming off two defeats and will fight for his survival in the company.

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Also on the main card, Michael Pereira will finally make his debut at middleweight (up to 83,9kg) after failing to make weight in his last scheduled fight, against the veteran Stephen Thompson. The Brazilian will be welcomed by the North American Andre Petroski, who has not yet been defeated in five Ultimate matches.