Marc-André Barriault

Angelo picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing his fast hands and power, with 8 knockouts in 9 UFC wins. He notes that Barriault's chin seems to be fading and that Oleksiejczuk hits incredibly hard. He acknowledges Barriault's wrestling could be a problem but thinks Oleksiejczuk's speed and power will prevail. He suggests under 2.5 rounds might be solid.

Big Brady picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, citing that Marc-André Barriault's chin has been cracked recently, with three knockout losses in his last four fights. He believes Oleksiejczuk's pressure and power will be too much for Barriault, who has taken a lot of damage. He predicts a first-round finish.

Cody agrees, highlighting Oleksiejczuk's 8 first-round KOs in 9 UFC wins. He notes Barriault's history of being knocked out in the first round and his inability to change his game. Cody expects Oleksiejczuk to win by KO or decision, but is confident in the victory.

Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Oleksiejczuk is a good athlete who is not shot, while Barriault is past his prime and gets hurt easily. He thinks Oleksiejczuk will put it all on Barriault and likely hurt him early. He mentions that Barriault's only chance is if Oleksiejczuk's cardio fades.

Lucrative James picks Michał Oleksiejczuk to win by KO in round one. He believes Barriault's chin is compromised and that Oleksiejczuk's power and early-round danger will be too much. James notes that Barriault's style of walking forward plays into Oleksiejczuk's hands, and he expects a quick finish.

The host picks Oleksiejczuk by knockout, but notes the line is too wide at -350. He believes Oleksiejczuk's power will eventually find Barriault's chin, but warns that Barriault could make it tough if his chin holds up, using clinch work and cardio to wear Oleksiejczuk down. He suggests a live bet on Barriault in later rounds.

Paul picks Michał Oleksiejczuk, expecting a first-round knockout. He notes Barriault's recent durability issues and Oleksiejczuk's power, especially since joining Fighting Nerds. Paul believes Oleksiejczuk's improved patience and game planning will lead to an early finish.

The host picks Michał Oleksiejczuk over Marc-André Barriault. He notes Oleksiejczuk has real power at middleweight and a resurgence since joining Fighting Nerds. He thinks Barriault has been on the receiving end of too many TKO losses. He predicts a first-round TKO.

Angelo picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, noting he is the much better striker with power and a granite chin. He expects Shara to test Barriault's chin and light him up, as Barriault relies on empty forward pressure and volume but lacks power. He dismisses Shara's loss to MVP as a stylistic mismatch.

Big Brady picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, calling it a clear setup spot. He notes Barriault is likely washed and has a compromised chin, having been knocked out by lesser fighters. He expects Barriault to stand and trade, which plays into Magomedov's hands. He predicts a third-round knockout.

Connor believes Barriault's recent durability issues and tendency to stand and trade will play into Shara's hands. He notes Shara's incredible speed and creativity, and while Barriault could win by clinch pressure, he expects him to kickbox and get outclassed.

Although the host usually fades Magomedov at high chalky lines, Barriault cannot eat the shots Magomedov will throw. Magomedov will land big shots and find a finish within a round and a half.

The MMA Guru picks Sharabutdin Magomedov, calling it a 'layup' and criticizing the matchmaking. He notes Magomedov's high-volume striking on the back foot and believes Barriault's pressure will play into his hands. He predicts a second or third-round TKO after breaking Barriault down.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault confidently, noting Bruno Silva is on a four-fight losing skid and looks like a shell of himself. He believes Barriault will win with sheer volume and that Silva will fade. He advises jumping on the -179 odds before they shorten further, predicting Barriault may become a 3-1 favorite by fight night.

Big Brady calls this the '1800 gambler fight of the week', comparing it to choosing between a turd sandwich and a giant douche. He notes Barriault has no chin and was brutally knocked out recently, but at least he wants to be there. Bruno Silva has lost 7 of 8 and admitted he doesn't want to fight. Brady leans Barriault because Silva's lack of desire is worse than a weak chin. He predicts a second-round knockout for Barriault.

The host expresses low confidence due to both fighters being flaky—Barriault's durability issues and Silva's anxiety. He leans on Silva landing a big shot within a round and a half to get a knockout victory.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault, expecting him to weather an early storm from Dustin Stoltzfus and take over with volume. He notes Barriault has impressive striking volume (almost 6 sig strikes per minute) but is also hit a lot. He thinks Stoltzfus is dangerous early with power but has a questionable chin. He suggests betting the over if a 1.5 round line is available, as the fight could go long.

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault to win by decision. He likes Barriault's cardio, volume, and takedown defense. He thinks Stoltzfus's striking is not good and that Barriault will piece him up over 15 minutes. Brady expects Barriault to stuff takedowns and outwork Stoltzfus on the feet.

Cody picks Marc-André Barriault, citing his pressure, power, and volume advantage over Stoltzfus. He notes that Stoltzfus relies on wrestling but has poor takedown success against strong grapplers, and Barriault's takedown defense is solid. He also mentions Stoltzfus's recent KO loss and potential psychological issues, and believes Barriault can finish him late or win a decision.

Daniel Vreeland picks Marc-André Barriault, citing his durability and tendency to get better as the fight progresses. He questions Dustin Stoltzfus's confidence and ability to handle adversity, noting that Barriault will expose any weaknesses in cardio or chin. Vreeland acknowledges Stoltzfus's skills but believes Barriault's toughness and pressure will prevail, though the price (-205) makes it a pass for betting.

Lucrative James picks Marc-André Barriault, expecting him to dominate with pace and pressure in the clinch. He believes Stoltzfus will be competitive in round one but fade, and that Barriault will get a third-round finish or decision. He highlights Barriault's body shots and uppercuts in the clinch.

Barriault is coming back too quickly after a knockout, but if his durability holds up, he should put pace and pressure on Stoltzfus and finish him in the second or third round via TKO.

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Stoltzfus's recent facial fracture and nerve damage may affect his performance. He notes that Barriault's constant pressure and power should overwhelm Stoltzfus, and he sees a potential late stoppage. He also suggests live betting Barriault if he loses the first round.

Cody picks Pyfer but is hesitant due to his cardio issues. He notes that Pyfer has heavy hands and usually finishes fights early, but if Barriault survives the first round, Pyfer may fade. Cody believes Pyfer will learn from his loss to Jack Hermansson and pace himself better, but acknowledges that Barriault's pressure and cardio could cause problems. He expects Pyfer to win a decision or get an early knockout.

Daniel thinks Pyfer has more power and is more physically imposing than Barriault. He notes that Barriault struggles against higher competition and lacks athleticism. He believes Pyfer learned from his loss to Hermansson and will come back better. He expects a three-round scrap where Pyfer's firepower makes the difference, whether by decision or knockout.

The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.

The host picks Pyfer by knockout but is hesitant, noting that Barriault's cardio and volume could cause problems if Pyfer doesn't finish early. He says the longer the fight goes, the more it favors Barriault. He suggests the knockout prop at +200 is a better way to play Pyfer, and also mentions Barriault's decision prop and round 3 prop as potential plays.

Paul leans toward Barriault as a live underdog, noting that Pyfer has cardio issues and that Barriault has a high-volume pressure style. He points out that Barriault has gone the distance with tough opponents and that Pyfer tends to slow down after the first round. Paul suggests betting Barriault live after the first round if he survives, as his odds will improve significantly.

Angelo leans Barriault, citing his forward pressure, toughness, and Canadian home advantage. He worries that Curtis's counter-striking style may not impress judges if he's backing up. He notes Barriault must avoid Curtis's big hook. He has placed a quarter unit on Barriault at plus 150 and may add more if the line moves.

Big Brady picks Barriault as a dog, saying the odds make no sense. He notes Curtis is a slow starter who gets outlanded in most fights, while Barriault has high volume and is fighting in Canada. He expects a close fight that goes to decision, with Canadian judges potentially favoring Barriault. He doubts either fighter gets a knockout.

Cody picks Curtis due to his higher level of competition and power advantage. He notes Curtis is a slow starter but has nasty power and volume. He expects a third-round TKO or decision win for Curtis.

Daniel Vreeland picks Marc-André Barriault as a live dog. He notes that Curtis often needs a knockout to win, otherwise he loses decisions. Barriault is durable, has nasty uppercuts and elbows in the clinch, and can crack. Vreeland expects Barriault to win by decision if he survives Curtis's early power.

Vreeland picks Barriault as a home dog, noting his grappling and durability. He sees the fight as even but likes the plus money on Barriault. Vreeland acknowledges Barriault's cardio and durability as strengths, but doesn't elaborate on a specific path to victory beyond the value.

Fox picks Curtis, believing he is the right style to beat Barriault. He notes that Barriault's best weapons are cardio and durability, but Curtis doesn't overextend and stays within himself. Fox points to Curtis's defensive grappling against opponents like Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov as evidence he can handle Barriault's grappling. He thinks Barriault gets hit a lot and isn't overly sharp on the feet, so Curtis should win if he doesn't get drawn into prolonged exchanges.

This fight is not discussed in the transcript. The host does not mention Curtis vs Barriault.

I'm going with Barriault as an underdog. He is active, high pressure, high pace, and has great cardio. He can stick at distance, utilize kicks, and mix in the clinch. Curtis is reliant on a knockout to win, but Barriault's style should be tough for Curtis to overcome. I think Barriault puts together a better overall body of work and wins by decision.

Paul picks Curtis by KO, citing his power advantage and Barriault's chinny history. He thinks Curtis will land a big shot after a slow start, possibly in round 2 or 3. He notes Barriault's cardio but believes Curtis's power is the difference.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault to win, but plans to bet on Eryk Anders by inside the distance. He explains that Barriault is more well-rounded and technical, but Anders is more dangerous and powerful. He expects Anders to either finish Barriault or lose a decision, so he will bet on Anders inside the distance (no action if decision).

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault by decision. He notes that Barriault is high volume (6 significant strikes per minute) while Anders is low volume and will likely try to wrestle, but his takedown attempts are inefficient and will tire him. Barriault should win the striking exchanges and take over as the fight goes on, winning the second and third rounds.

Cody picks Barriault, expecting a close competitive fight that will likely go to a decision. He notes that Anders relies heavily on clinch work, but Barriault thrives in the clinch and has better cardio. He thinks Anders will slow down in the third round, allowing Barriault to pull ahead. He also mentions that Canadian judging may favor Barriault in a close fight.

Connor picks Anders, citing his recent technical improvement and physical advantages. He notes that Anders has learned to put combinations together and use his jab effectively. He believes Anders' strength and wrestling will be too much for Barriault, who is not a power puncher. He acknowledges Barriault's improvement but thinks Anders' ceiling is higher.

Daniel Levi picks Eryk Anders in a coin-flip fight, noting that Anders looked good against Dacus and has better defense, while Barriault has more volume but is slower. He is unsure about Canadian judges and the fact that Anders is no longer at Fight Ready, which could affect his conditioning. He sees this as a close fight that could go either way, so he takes the dog, but warns against making Anders a heavy play.

James has no strong opinion on this fight. He sees both fighters as similar and expects a close fight if it goes to decision. He notes it could finish inside the distance due to pace, but he is leaning towards the fight going over. He passes on betting because he doesn't like betting on fights he expects to be very close unless there is a big number.

Barriault's cardio and forward pressure are his key weapons; he wears opponents down with volume and durability. Anders relies on physical advantages but has shown limited technical improvements. Barriault should outwork Anders, especially in later rounds, and could even secure a late finish. Anders' only path is an early KO, but Barriault's durability is underrated.

Paul picks Barriault, citing volume as the key factor. He notes that Anders will need to make it ugly with takedowns, but he is not confident in Anders' wrestling to hold Barriault down. He expects Barriault to outwork Anders over three rounds, similar to the Daukaus fight. He also likes the over on Barriault's significant strikes.

The MMA Guru picks Marc-André Barriault, criticizing Eryk Anders for being stiff and having a history of injuries and beatings. He notes Barriault is fluid and coming off a great performance, and that Anders must finish early or he fades. He expects Barriault to pick up the pace and win by decision or late finish in front of his Canadian home crowd.

Angelo picks Julian Marquez, citing his toughness, power, and ability to snatch submissions in scrambles. He notes that Marquez hits harder and has proven MMA jiu-jitsu. Angelo believes Marquez will come forward and not quit, while Barriault can fold under pressure.

Big Brady picks Barriault, citing his volume, cardio, and pressure on the feet, as well as the ability to wrestle if needed. He notes Marquez has power and submissions but is less defensively sound. He predicts a decision win for Barriault, acknowledging Marquez's danger.

Cody picks Barriault, believing his volume and clinch work will overwhelm Marquez. He notes Marquez has declined in durability and explosiveness after injuries. He thinks Barriault wins by decision or late finish.

Connor picks Julian Marquez, despite concerns about his recent stylistic changes. He believes Marquez's natural dynamism and ability to fight through chaos will overcome Barriault's more methodical but less dynamic game. Connor notes that Barriault has improved but still lacks the finishing threat and creativity that Marquez possesses, and that Marquez's submission grappling could be a factor.

Jacob is very confident in Julian Marquez, stating that Barriault does not belong in the UFC. He notes Marquez's power, pressure, and no-quit attitude. Jacob believes Marquez will unload on Barriault against the fence and finish him. He also mentions that Marquez may use grappling more in this fight.

Barriault is a solid pressure fighter with good cardio and clinch work. Marquez has finishing power but his only path to victory is a KO, and he has been controlled in the clinch before. Barriault will use forward pressure and volume to win a decision, possibly with late finishing opportunities.

Paul picks Barriault and has a bet on Barriault by decision at +225. He thinks Marquez's wrestling won't be enough and Barriault's volume will carry him to a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Marc-André Barriault, noting Marquez is wild and coming off a KO loss. He believes Barriault's technical style and ability to grind out decisions against wild opponents will lead to a 29-28 win.

Angelo picks Hernandez because he is a superior grappler who should get takedowns against Barriault, who has been taken down by lesser grapplers. He notes that Barriault is the better striker, so Hernandez must be careful on the feet. Angelo believes Hernandez's path is clear: takedowns and control.

Big Brady picks Anthony Hernandez to win by decision. He highlights Hernandez's relentless wrestling (5.39 takedowns per 15 minutes with 70% accuracy) and cardio. Brady notes that Barriault has poor takedown defense but a good get-up game, so Hernandez may not hold him down for long. However, Brady believes Hernandez's pace and pressure will wear down Barriault, and he expects Hernandez to wrestle his way to a decision victory. He also mentions that the striking should be competitive, with a slight edge to Barriault.

Cody thinks Hernandez's relentless wrestling and cardio will overwhelm Barriault. He notes Barriault's recent losses and that he was knocked out by Chidi Njokuani. Cody expects Hernandez to grind out a decision or possibly get a submission.

Daniel Levi picks Marc-André Barriault at plus 155 odds, placing one unit. He likes Barriault's move to Sanford MMA, improved takedown defense, and body attack potential against Hernandez, who has shown vulnerability to body shots. He thinks Barriault's output and cardio can carry him in a close fight, but acknowledges Hernandez's submission threat and grinding style. He sees value in the underdog.

Jacob is all-in on Hernandez, noting that Barriault's takedown defense is poor and that Hernandez is a better wrestler than Jordan Wright, who was about to dominate Barriault before getting caught in a guillotine. Jacob believes Hernandez will not make that mistake and will dominate the wrestling. He thinks the -174 odds are good value.

Hernandez will drown Barriault with his wrestling and pace, similar to a poor man's Cain Velasquez. Barriault is not a big finisher and Hernandez's durability is the only question mark. If Hernandez stays conscious, he will win via takedowns and pressure. Barriault's heavy strikes will be countered with level changes. Hernandez by decision at +200 is a good spot.

Paul leans Hernandez, noting Barriault's takedown defense issues. He thinks Hernandez can wrestle and potentially submit him. He mentions the prize picks line of 3 takedowns for Hernandez and thinks that's achievable.

Angelo leans Jordan Wright, calling it closer to a coin flip. He notes Wright is more dangerous but Barriault is the better fighter. He is concerned that Barriault may not have fully recovered from a KO loss less than 90 days ago, and that this is short notice. He mentions Wright's ridiculous striking differential (lands and gets hit over 8 strikes per minute).

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault to win by knockout, citing his durability and more paths to victory. He notes that Jordan Wright is a kill-or-be-killed fighter with poor defense and chin, while Barriault is typically durable and more defensively sound. He expects Barriault to weather the early storm and finish Wright late in the first round.

Cody picks Wright, citing Barriault's recent knockout loss and questionable chin. He notes Wright's early aggression and power, and that Barriault is taking the fight on short notice at a catchweight. He thinks Wright's best chance is a first-round KO and likes the knockout prop.

The host picks Marc-André Barriault to win, including him in a parlay with Guida and Andrade. He acknowledges that Jordan Wright could win but suggests playing Wright's KO line instead of a straight bet.

Paul leans Barriault but low priority. He acknowledges Wright's early KO threat but thinks if Barriault survives the first round, his grinding style will take over. He notes Barriault's durability before the last fight and expects him to wear on Wright.

Angelo picks Marc-André Barriault by using grappling to neutralize Chidi's striking. He notes Chidi's excellent footwork and counter striking make him dangerous on the feet, but his takedown defense is weak. Barriault should pressure forward, mix in takedowns, and control on the ground. Angelo warns Barriault not to chase on the feet.

Cody agrees with Paul, noting that Barriault's pressure and volume will be key. He thinks Njokuani has cardio issues and doesn't handle pressure well. He is confident Barriault will win by making it a dirty fight.

Daniel Levi leans Marc-André Barriault, noting he is hitting his stride and can close the distance to get in the clinch or on top. He acknowledges Njokuani's dangerous Muay Thai and experience, but thinks Barriault's dirty boxing and pressure can break him. Levi says if Njokuani is mentally on and lets his hands go, he could win, but he slightly favors Barriault.

Lock of the Night is very confident in Barriault, citing his pressure, durability, and cardio. He notes that Njokuani wilts under pressure and backs up to the fence. He expects Barriault to push him against the cage and control the fight. He likes Barriault by decision at +200.

Paul likes Barriault's pressure and cardio. He notes that Barriault stays in his opponent's face, throws high volume, and has a solid chin. He thinks Njokuani may have cardio issues and doesn't fight well off his back foot. He is confident Barriault will win by grinding him down.

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault to win by third-round knockout, confident. He highlights Barriault's high volume (5.36 sig strikes/min) and cardio advantage over Lungiambula, who has low output and poor striking defense. Barriault has solid takedown defense (72%) and get-up game, while Lungiambula may have early takedown success but will fade. Brady expects Barriault to overwhelm Lungiambula with volume and finish late.

Cody picks Barriault by decision, citing his improved cardio and volume since moving to Sanford MMA. He notes Lungiambula's low volume and reliance on takedowns, but thinks Barriault's takedown defense and scrambling will allow him to get back up and outwork Lungiambula. He expects a unanimous decision win.

I bet Barriault for a couple of units. Dalcha is explosive but only works in bursts; his output is low and predictable. Barriault has elite output, elite cardio, and ridiculous durability. He's shown he can get up from takedowns against good wrestlers. Dalcha's cardio is suspect, especially at 185. I expect Barriault to take over as the fight goes on and likely finish in round three or win a decision. I like Barriault by decision and Barriault round three.

Paul agrees with Cody, liking Barriault to get the job done. He notes Barriault's pace and volume, and thinks Lungiambula will either get tired or be knocked out. He sees Barriault winning by decision or late stoppage.

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault to win by third-round knockout. He notes Barriault's better cardio and technical striking, and that Azaitar is wild, can be taken down, and has poor cardio. He also mentions Azaitar's nearly three-year layoff. He believes Barriault will press the action and finish a gassed Azaitar in the third round.

Cody picks Azaitar, citing the 'greasy theory' that Azaitar has connections and may get a favorable decision. He notes that Azaitar is aggressive, throws combinations to the body, and has power. He thinks Barriault is a limited fighter who may not have the wrestling to control Azaitar. He expects a close fight that could go Azaitar's way.

Daniel Levi picks Abu Azaitar to win, despite the layoff. He praises Azaitar's toughness, aggression, and ability to mix in takedowns. Levi notes that Barriault tested positive for PEDs in his last fight and may not look as good without them. He believes Azaitar's power and willingness to fight will be too much for Barriault, and that Azaitar can steal rounds with big punches. He also mentions Azaitar's connections outside the cage as a potential factor in close decisions.

The host picks Marc-André Barriault to win by third-round TKO. He notes Barriault's pressure, pace, and all-around game, and believes Azaitar will struggle with the layoff and cardio. He thinks Barriault will crowd Azaitar, mix in takedowns, and wear him down. He sees value at -130 and expects a finish in the third round or a decision.

Paul joins Cody on Azaitar, agreeing with the greasy theory. He notes that Azaitar has been out for three years but is well-connected and may have improved. He thinks Barriault is a step down in competition and that Azaitar's power and aggression will be enough. He expects a close fight that could go Azaitar's way.

Big Brady picks Marc-André Barriault as an underdog, citing his power and cardio advantage. He thinks Barriault will stuff takedowns and take over later in the fight, possibly finishing Piechota in the second or third round. However, he is not confident due to Barriault's low volume and tendency to be gun-shy.

Daniel Levi picks Marc-André Barriault as an underdog, noting that Oskar Piechota is a frontrunner who panics if he doesn't get an early finish. He believes Barriault's forward pressure and toughness will break Piechota in the later rounds. Levi expects Barriault to get his first UFC win, possibly by TKO in the third round.