Featherweight action on the UFC 246 preliminary card Saturday night saw Andre Fili and Sodiq Yusuff clash. Yusuff, a top prospect who entered the promotion via Dana White’s Contender Series, had yet to taste defeat inside the octagon, going 3-0 to start his career.
Andre Fili, who trains with Urijah Faber‘s Team Alpha Male, joined the UFC all the way back in 2013. He entered UFC 246 off a two-fight streak, having defeated Myles Jury and Sheymon Moraes.
We opened round one with some strong jabs from the Nigerian Yusuff. A strong overhand left from Yusuff seemed to stun Adre Fili. Fili looked to take the fight to the ground, which ended in a clinch battle against the cage. Halfway through the round Fili took Sodiq to the ground but had a hard time keeping him there. Fili attempted an armbar as the round closed but Yusuff was able to get out of it, and ended the round on top landing one strong ground strike. After a strong opening minute from Yusuff, Fili used control and takedowns to attempt to slow down the speedy jabs of Yusuff.
As advertised through R1! 👏
Tremendous pace from Fili and Yusuff early! #UFC246 pic.twitter.com/ntHKHYnYNT
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2020
Round two saw Yusuf open with a few leg kicks and a strong jab. A strong leg kick led to them going to the mat, where Yusuff landed on top of Fili. With Fili on the ground, against the cage, Sodiq began with some relentless ground and pound. Fili, while in a dangerous position, was doing well to transition to safety. We ended the round in a clinch battle. A stronger round for Yusuff.
The last round, both men know they needed to win the round for the chance to win the fight. Fili landed some solid jabs in the opening minute. A big counter punch from Yusuff followed, but Fili had the Nigerian with his back up against the cage. The Team Alpha Male product was controlling the third round with his footwork keeping the ever dangerous Yusuff out of range. Yusuff attempted a high kick but Fili blocked the attempt. The round closed with a takedown attempt, which turned into a submission attempt as the bell rang.
“Super” Sodiq Yusuff is our victor via unanimous decision. The Nigerian featherweight could be the strongest prospect in the division and on the verge of a top 15 ranking. The DWCS product is undefeated in the UFC and yet again got the job done here at UFC 246. With four wins in the UFC, Yusuf is absolutely showing he is here to stay.
Official Result: Sodiq Yusuff def. Andre Fili by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
