Preview: UFC 289 ‘Nunes vs. Aldana’

Middleweights

Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6, 4-5 UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (15-7, 7-7 UFC)

ODDS: Barriault (-135), Anders (+115)

The prospect shine has long washed off Anders, but it does appear that he might finally be finding a groove. Anders came to mixed martial arts with some built-in renown as a former standout linebacker for the University of Alabama, which led to his getting rushed up the ladder as a prospect. After two solid wins to kick off his UFC career in 2017, 2018 saw “Ya Boi” suddenly find himself in main event spots against Lyoto Machida and Thiago Santos. After Anders poured out his gas tank in his loss to Santos, he pivoted to a low-output style that was more frustrating than anything. Anders brought enough physicality to the table that he could effectively lure opponents into a slow-paced fight but rarely did enough to separate himself as a more effective fighter, leading to a lot of slogs that ended in razor-thin decisions. Anders’ last two fights have seen him look more comfortable, and while he is not a particularly high-paced fighter, he is now fighting at a pace that is much more functional. It did not lead to a win in another close fight against Jun Yong Park, but Anders blasted Kyle Daukaus repeatedly in December and could find some success here against Quebec’s Barriault. One of the top prospects in Canada upon his signing in 2019, Barriault figured to have an adjustment period to fighting at the UFC level, as his mashing style did not even lead to clean wins on the regional scene. Indeed, Barriault’s first three trips to the Octagon each saw him survive three rounds but get little done. However, the “Power Bar” has plugged away and improved his craft, which has been enough to outlast the many flawed fighters dotting the lower half of the UFC’s middleweight roster. If there is any hesitation from his opponents, Barriault is there to land some offense and keep on working for a finish. Even as Barriault has started winning twice as often as he loses, those losses do show he has a clear ceiling against less breakable fighters. Chidi Njokuani sparked him, and Anthony Hernandez relied on his elite cardio to wear Barriault out for a late finish. For all his issues, Anders is not a fighter who goes away easily, and with the American’s newfound improvements, he should be able to string together enough offense to take the win. The pick is Anders via decision.

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Nunes vs. Aldana
Dariush vs. Oliveira
Malott vs. Fugitt
Ige vs. Landwehr
Barriault vs. Anders
The Prelims