Aug 16, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Sodiq Yusuff during weigh ins for UFC 241 at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC Vegas 106: Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos fight this weekend!

Aug 16, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Sodiq Yusuff during weigh ins for UFC 241 at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC featherweight division has been a shark tank for years. Fighters must prove themselves against tough competition just to crack the top 15. This Saturday at UFC Vegas 106, Sodiq Yusuff, the Nigerian-born fighter faces Brazilian Mairon Santos in what promises to be a high-octane striking affair. Both men bring impressive offensive arsenals to the cage. Both need a win to advance their careers. And both have something to prove on fight night.

Yusuff brings years of UFC experience, having faced some of the division’s elite fighters. Santos brings youthful energy and an unblemished professional record. The clash of styles and career trajectories makes this a fascinating matchup for fight fans! This fight has the potential to be the fight of the night!

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Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos Preview

Sodiq Yusuff has been battle-tested against the division’s elite, with his three UFC losses coming against top-tier competition in Arnold Allen, Edson Barboza, and Diego Lopes. These high-level fights have forced Yusuff to refine his skills and develop a well-rounded game.

Santos brings a different energy to the cage. The 24-year-old Brazilian is undefeated in the UFC and making his third appearance after a controversial decision win over Francis Marshall in March. That fight raised some eyebrows, as many observers felt Marshall deserved the nod. Nevertheless, Santos showcases impressive footwork, high-volume striking, and the confidence of a young fighter.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos MMA Betting Odds

The betting market sees this as a close fight. According to BetMGM, Mairon Santos enters as a slight -130 favorite. Meanwhile Sodiq Yusuff is at +110 as the underdog. These tight odds reflect both Yusuff’s quality opposition and Santos’ undefeated record.

Many betting experts didn’t feel Yusuff should be the underdog. The Nigerian-born fighter has faced significantly tougher competition throughout his career, and his losses have come against only the division’s elite. Santos, while impressive, benefitted from questionable judging in his last outing against Marshall.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos Prediction And Picks

When the cage door closes, expect Yusuff to immediately pressure Santos. The younger fighter has shown he prefers to operate at his own pace, using his footwork to create angles for his striking. Yusuff won’t allow this comfort zone, instead pushing forward with combinations and looking to back Santos against the fence where his options become limited.

Santos will have his moments, particularly early when his speed and youth are at their freshest. His high-volume approach will likely win him the first few minutes as Yusuff takes time to find his rhythm and timing. However, as the fight enters the later rounds, fans can expect Yusuff’s pressure and power to begin taking a toll.

If we bet on the fight, we are going against the grain and betting on Sodiq Yusuff to win by unanimous decision.

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Mairon Santos

Sodiq Yusuff

UFC Vegas 106

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!