Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Prediction: Can Curtis Bounce Back at UFC 297?

Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Prediction: Can Curtis Bounce Back at UFC 297?

The first hometown Canadian on the main card to step in the octagon will be middleweight Marc-Andre Barriault as he takes on the American Chris Curtis. Barriault is coming off back-to-back wins against Julian Marquez and Eryk Anders and will look to make it a third against Curtis at UFC 297. Curtis, on the other hand, has not won since 2022 after he lost to Kelvin Gastelum and had a Draw No Contest against Nassourdine Imavov after an accidental clash of heads. Can Curtis get back on track at UFC 297?

Curtis vs. Barriault UFC 297 Date, Time, and Where to Watch

• Date: January 20, 2024
• Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: PPV

Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Prediction

At 36 years old, Curtis has made a notable climb to the No. 14 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings. Despite entering the UFC later in his career, he quickly gained attention with a 4-2 record, including three knockout victories. His consistency in both fight style and performance that came with his maturity due to entering the UFC late in his career has made him look like a veteran of the octagon.

Curtis utilizes a low-output yet powerful boxing stance. His defensive guard and stout takedown defense set the stage for him to move into his preferred range, where his heavy hooks become devastating. Curtis excels against opponents who move linearly or allow him to dictate the pace, showcasing an ability to set up fight-ending combinations, even when initially losing the volume battle.

On the other side of the octagon, Barriault, at 33, enters the fight unranked with a 5-5 UFC record. Early in his career, Barriault was a low-volume striker focused on finding the power strike to end fights quickly. After a three-fight losing streak, he reinvented his style, embracing higher volume and well-timed clinch wrestling. While finding more success with this approach against tougher competition, Barriault's striking remains robotic and basic, relying on size and technique rather than speed and fluidity.

Curtis seems well-positioned to exploit Barriault's vulnerabilities. The fight is expected to play out in Curtis's preferred pocket boxing, where he holds the edge in speed, power, and combinations. Barriault's slow and linear movements could play into Curtis' strengths, setting the stage for a potential late-round knockout or a decision victory for "The Action Man."

Barriault's key to success is operating in a phone booth, utilizing the clinch and dirty boxing to trap Curtis against the cage. If the fight stays at kickboxing/boxing range, Barriault is expected to face challenges as Curtis's defensive skills and striking prowess excel in that kind of fight.

Chris Curtis has more paths to victory in this fight. If it turns into a slugfest, Curtis has the power to put Barriault away. Barriault has only knocked out Abu Azaitar and Julian Marquez in the UFC and does not usually win by KO/TKO. Curtis will also be landing the harder shots at range and will land more damage en route to a decision if this fight goes 15 minutes. Curtis' odds have skyrocketed since opening around -120, with him now being listed at around -185 at most places. I don't like the extra juice, but Curtis should win this fight at the end of the day.

Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Pick

Pick: Chris Curtis ML -185 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

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