Preview: UFC Fight Night 151 ‘Iaquinta vs. Cowboy’

Middleweights

Marc-Andre Barriault (11-1) vs. Andrew Sanchez (10-4)

ODDS: Sanchez (-140), Barriault (+120)

Sanchez appears to have righted his ship, but he is still way behind where most expected he would be by the time 2019 rolled around. Sanchez won Season 23 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and looked quite impressive doing so. Up a weight class at 205 pounds, Sanchez took out more hyped prospects with some knockout power and an impressively strong wrestling game. Once 2017 rolled around, it became apparent that Sanchez’s Achilles heel was his cardio. A loss to Anthony Smith continues to look better with time, but Sanchez’s next appearance -- another loss where he gassed himself out and got finished by Ryan Janes -- was quite embarrassing and proved that he could lose about any fight. Thankfully, Sanchez’s lone 2018 affair, an August win over Markus Perez, saw him pace himself and earn a workmanlike win. However, it is still a question of how effective Sanchez can be while trying to mind his stamina.

Sanchez will be the first UFC opponent for Quebec’s Barriault, who finally makes his way to the Octagon. Barriault has proven basically everything he can at the regional level, as he won both the middleweight and light heavyweight championships the TKO Major League MMA promotion. He looks ready for the big time. Beyond having some knockout power, “Power Bar” has a well-rounded game and has shown the ability to rebound from adversity. Opponents might be able to control him, but Barriault has consistently been able to fight back and score the win. He has a tough first challenge, but with a win here, Barriault could be the type of fighter who survives the UFC’s aggressive fast-tracking.

Barriault is undeniably talented, but this fight feels more like a referendum on his opponent. If Sanchez tires himself out again, Barriault is as capable as anyone of ending the fight late in spectacular fashion. However, if Barriault has shown one weakness, it has been defensive wrestling, so if Sanchez stays smart, relies on his wrestling and does not get overaggressive, the veteran should be able to grind out a win. Honestly, Barriault has the power to score a knockout even if “El Dirte” fights smart, but the safe pick is Sanchez via decision.

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