The MMA Daily

We have a Middleweight contest kicking off the main card, as Anthony Hernandez takes on Marc-Andre Barriault. A winner of two straight fights, which includes a submission victory over Rodolfo Vieira, Hernandez heads into this bout with newfound confidence. Once considered fodder, Hernandez looks to be a serious player at 185 pounds. Meanwhile, Barriault comes into this bout off a submission victory over Jordan Wright. A timely victory at that, as Barriault had loss the previous fight via knockout. With three wins in the past four fights, the Canadian has an opportunity to present himself as a rising contender at Middleweight.

An important fight for the progression of both gentlemen, I’m expecting this fight to deliver. Hernandez, is a high paced fighter, who has proven to be well rounded. Known to wrestle, Hernandez has landed fourteen takedowns over the past four fights. With excellent grappling and dangerous submissions, Hernandez can be a handful to deal with on the mat. Hoping to avoid being grounded is Barriault. An active, yet powerful striker, Barriault would prefer this fight to take place on the feet. Known for his durability, the Canadian has only suffered one stoppage defeat in twenty professional fights. The only concern with Barriault, is his takedown defense. Despite sporting a 68% takedown defense, Barriault has been taken down in five of his eight UFC fights. Knowing very well that Hernandez is going to implement his wrestling, which is relentless, I can help but to believe that he will find success. So with that said, I predict that Hernandez will accumulate takedowns and control time en route to a decision victory.