Sodiq Yusuff was in trouble for a moment, but came back to knock Gabriel Benitez out with a beautiful counter right hand at UFC 241.
Gabriel Benitez and Sodiq Yusuff are both exciting fighters set to collide at UFC 241. Benitez is 5-2 in the UFC with three stoppages, including a slam KO in his last fight. Yusuff earned a shot at the Contender Series last year after racking up a 6-1 record with two sub-minute knockouts. He earned a contract after a win on DWCS and has won in both of his Octagon appearances since then. Benitez earned his spot on the roster through TUF Latin America, going 1-1 on the show. “Moggly” has been very entertaining throughout his run with the UFC.
A body kick landed for Gabriel Benitez followed by a Sodiq Yusuff right hand. Both men wasted no time getting going. Yusuff’s hooks were landing consistently, cutting Benitez open early on. Benitez started landing heavy leg kicks through the punishment in an attempt to slow Yusuff down. The fighters traded head kicks, and Benitez went to the leg again. A left hand cracked Yusuff who nearly crumbled, but bounced back up and defended a head kick. Yusuff landed a combination, but ate a pair of hard lefts from Benitez. Yusuff then landed a crushing counter-right that flattened Benitez. Yusuff landed the necessary hammerfists to get the stoppage.
During Yusuff’s post-fight interview, Benitez took the microphone, winked, and said, “Next time.” This is definitely a fight worth revisiting in the future. Yusuff also called for a bonus, which would be a great help to him as he sends money he earns from fighting back to his family in Nigeria.
Sodiq Yusuff def. Gabriel Benitez by TKO (Right Hook and Punches) in Round 1 (4:14)
Check out all the results from UFC 241 here!
