Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Arnold Allen remained undefeated inside the octagon with arguably his biggest win to date after earning a unanimous decision over Sodiq Yusuff in the UFC Vegas 23 co-main event.
Avoiding the powerful punches coming from Yusuff throughout the fight, Allen managed to earn a pair of knockdowns and stay ahead on the scorecards to build his overall winning streak to eight in a row, which is now the longest in the UFC featherweight division. The final scorecards all read 29-28 with Allen getting the all-important win over a top 15 ranked opponent in Yusuff.
“I wanted a finish,” Allen said afterwards. “I’ve had a lot of decisions in the UFC. Sodiq is as tough as they come.”
It was pure aggression from Yusuff as the fight got started as he was coming after Allen with a blistering series of punches while trying to overwhelm the British featherweight. Allen countered with a takedown early but then started to connect with some of his shots on the feet.
A stiff left hand from Allen buckled Yusuff’s knees during an early exchange but he was able to stall on the ground and then get back to the feet before taking any further damage.
As the fight continued, Yusuff was still aggressive but he was being wary of that same left hand that was still the most effective punch coming from Allen. While Yusuff was well aware of the boxing, he failed to see a lightning quick kick that ricocheted off the top of his head and once again had him in trouble.
How is he still up?! #UFCVegas23 pic.twitter.com/WiZ0rTLgmw
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2021
Allen followed up with a barrage of shots but Yusuff was able to weather the storm to eventually get back to his feet again.
With the scorecards working against him after two rounds, Yusuff knew he had to go for broke in order to get the finish. Yusuff was attacking from every position as he did everything possible to put Allen away but he just couldn’t do enough damage to ever really hurt him.
Despite his record and a superior ranking going into the card, Allen was still considered an underdog yet he once again proved to be the better fighter. Now it might be time for Allen to get his shot at the featherweight top 10 as he continues to prove himself in the 145-pound division


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