Arnold Allen faced a game Sodiq Yusuff in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 23, knocking him down twice and winning a unanimous decision.
Two prospects coming off lengthy layoffs returned in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 23. Both Arnold Allen and Sodiq Yusuff had an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage, in front of a wide audience on ABC on Saturday afternoon. Both fighters were undefeated inside the octagon, and both wanted to stake their claim to something bigger in the UFC’s deep featherweight division.
Allen turned an early body kick from Yusuff into a takedown and Yusuff quickly grabbed a guillotine to slow Allen down. Allen was in half guard, but was still threatened by the choke, so he rolled to his back and broke free, prompting a return to the feet. Allen hit Yusuff with a solid shot, then a powerful left hand that seated Yusuff. Yusuff popped up, but Allen was able to pin him against the cage for the final 90 seconds of the round.
Stunner 💥@ArnoldBFA has Yusuff hurt in RD 1! #UFCVegas23 pic.twitter.com/wrdAEXprMW
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2021
Yusuff was finding more success early in the second round, hitting Allen with shorter shots. He used that to open a window for a body kick, which landed cleanly. Yusuff tried another body kick and Allen grabbed it, but couldn’t do anything with it. A high kick was fired by Allen that caught Yusuff. Allen slipped, then Yusuff lost balance and was knocked down a second time. Allen didn’t put the pressure on again, and instead elected to clinch Yusuff against the cage.
How is he still up?! 😳 #UFCVegas23 pic.twitter.com/WiZ0rTLgmw
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2021
Allen went to the takedown right away, but Yusuff defended well. Another takedown came in from Allen, and this time it led to a full sprawl from Yusuff. Yusuff’s defense was holding up in the final round and had dominant position in the clinch briefly before getting turned around again and controlled by Allen.
Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
