UFC Fight Night – Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault: Preview & Betting Tips

A fascinating middleweight matchup is set for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card as Shara “Bullet” Magomedov takes on Marc-Andre Barriault.

Magomedov (15-1) was handed his first defeat of his career earlier this year when he met the ever-classy striker Michael “Venom” Page. The Russian got totally outclassed by the Brit but that’s no embarrassment; MVP has a history of making fighters who try and strike with him look silly. “Bullet” will be looking to make a statement though and prove he can be an elite guy at 185-pounds.

Barriault (17-9) steadied the ship last time out by defeating Bruno Silva early on in the first round via KO, this came after three previous defeats in a row. Now, the Canadian is confident he can put a positive streak together, and MAB is confident of getting a win on away territory in Abu Dhabi. 

Tale of the Tape 

Shara Magomedov – Odds 1.14 (Bet 365)

Record: 15-1

Age: 31

Height: 6ft2

Reach: 73”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Orthodox

Marc-Andre Barriault – Odds 6.00 (Bet 365)

Record: 17-9

Age: 35

Height: 6ft1

Reach: 74”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Orthodox

Shara Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault: Analysis

Shara Magomedov is one of the most exciting, unorthodox strikers to hit the UFC in recent memory. He has lightning-fast hands, has excellent timing on spinning attacks, and he has elite distance management. However, his only downside is he does get hit if his opponent can bypass the kicking range. Additionally, he has had favourable matchups against striking-based fighters thus far, so it will be interesting to see how he reacts if Barriault can initiate the clinch and show his dirty boxing.

As mentioned above, Marc-Andre Barriault likes to get on the inside, does some good work in the clinch, and lives in brawling distance. But, against the Russian he will need to fight smartly in order to avoid Shara’s kicks before stepping inside and looking to land some strikes of his own.

Once again though, this does feel like a match made in heaven for Magomedov, with the UFC giving him a very favourable match-up in front of his supporters in Abu Dhabi.

Magomedov vs Barriault: Prediction & Betting Tips

This fight is more about rebuilding Magomedov’s hype after being handed his first-ever defeat. “Bullet” is certainly an asset to the UFC because of his large following in the Middle East, and of course Russia. He is a flashy striker, which neutrals like to watch, and he has a bunch of fun fights waiting for him in the upper middleweight tier against strikers. 

Magomedov is the clear favourite in this one, and it does to me feel like the matchmakers are feeding Marc-Andre Barriault to the wolves. “Bullet” can get this one done with ease.

Take Shara Magomedov to win by knockout or technical knockout at odds of 1.67 (Bet 365).