MMA Preview – Chris Curtis vs Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC 297
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CHRIS CURTIS VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT FACTS
When is UFC 297? Sunday 21st January, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 297? Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 297? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 297
What channel is UFC 297 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 297? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CHRIS CURTIS VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT LOWDOWN
Chris Curtis (30-10(1)) is finally back after injuring his rib sparring with Ian Garry. He last fought in June last year at UFC 289, but it ended prematurely after he clashed heads with Nassourdine Imavov. Prior to that, he lost a unanimous decision to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 287, so he has not won since he knocked out Joaquin Buckley (2022) at UFC 282.
Marc-Andre Barriault (16-6(1)) had a dream 2023 collecting two of the biggest wins of his career. He went into the year having gotten submitted by Anthony Hernandez. However, he bounced back in style by knocking out Julian Marquez at UFC 285 and then outpointing Eryk Anders at UFC 289.
CHRIS CURTIS VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT PREDICTION
Barriault is the taller, bigger man, but will be giving up an inch in reach. He will look to live up to his nickname and enforce his pace early before Curtis settles. ‘Powerbar’ has brilliant cardio and we expect him to throw more volume while mixing the odd takedown to wear Curtis down.
Curtis will be well aware of this and look to absorb the pressure and rely on his defence to avoid any significant damage while countering with venom. He has brilliant boxing and is incredibly seasoned with hours of sparring with the middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Barriault will have the home fans behind him, but if he decides to stand for three rounds, he will be giving Curtis every opportunity he needs to find a knockout. If he can mix in the takedowns and clinch work to keep him guessing, he can wear Curtis down and bag the rounds.
Curtis has solid takedown defence and we cannot see him getting pinned down. However, Barriault’s output will be relentless and feel Curtis will need a knockout here. It can happen, but we expect the underdog’s durability to hold up and earn a decision.
Prediction: Barriault via Decision
Value bet: Barriault via Decision
