Sodiq Yusuff: From the Octagon to the Big Screen
In the world of mixed martial arts, fighters are known for their toughness, grit, and determination. But UFC featherweight Sodiq Yusuff is breaking the mold by showing that fighters can also be open-minded and versatile.
Unlike many of his peers, Yusuff is not afraid to answer his DMs, as long as they are respectful. This openness recently paid off when he struck up a conversation with an animator who was working on a project about a futuristic Nigerian. As a Nigerian himself and a self-proclaimed “nerd,” Yusuff saw this as a real opportunity and went into high gear when he learned that the animator’s client was none other than Disney.
After pursuing his opportunity with a DM of his own, Yusuff landed a voiceover role in the animated series Iwájú, which debuted on Disney+ on February 28. The series follows best friends Tola and Kole as they navigate the secrets and dangers of their different worlds in Lagos, Nigeria. Yusuff plays the character Sunday Adelekan, and the title of the series translates to “in the future” in his native language, Yoruba.
But this is not the first time Yusuff has ventured into the world of acting. He previously appeared on the HBO series “Hacks,” where he play-fought UFC veteran Paul Felder. Despite being a professional fighter, Yusuff took the whole experience in stride, showing that he is not just a one-dimensional athlete.
Yusuff’s willingness to take chances and pursue new opportunities has also paid off in his primary career as a fighter. He recently secured a fight with Diego Lopes at the highly anticipated UFC 300 event on April 13 in Las Vegas. After a disappointing loss to Edson Barboza in his last fight, Yusuff is determined to bounce back and show the world what he is capable of.
Kosport Magazine: The Future is Bright for Sodiq Yusuff
From the octagon to the big screen, Sodiq Yusuff is proving that he is not just a fighter, but a multi-talented individual with a bright future ahead of him. His willingness to take chances and his determination to succeed have led him to new opportunities and successes both in and out of the cage. Keep an eye on this rising star, as you never know what he will accomplish next.