Preview: UFC Fight Night 200 Prelims

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Middleweights

NR | Marc-Andre Barriault (13-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. NR | Chidi Njokuani (20-7, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Barriault (-115), Njokuani (-105)

Given that it is theoretically a way for the UFC to find up-and-coming prospects, it is a bit amusing that Njokuani had to earn a contract via Dana White’s Contender Series. The younger brother of former UFC lightweight Anthony Njokuani, he has spent most of the last few years in Bellator, racking up wins and becoming a viable main eventer while never getting over the hump to title contention. Njokuani got to show off his wares in earning that UFC contract against Mario Sousa, flexing his skill as a powerful striker with the ability to cause some vicious damage in the clinch; and with a third-round finish, it was a sure thing that he would be picked up. Indeed, that was the case, and he gets a decent first test in Barriault. One of the better prospects in Canada at the time of his signing in 2019, Quebec’s “Power Bar” had a rough start to his UFC tenure, losing his first three bouts. That was not necessarily a surprise—Barriault’s rugged and straight-ahead style figured to turn into a losing battle against opponents able to separate themselves on power and athleticism—but it has been nice to see him adjust and find his level to the point that he is now a viable UFC middleweight coming off of two straight wins. This does seem like a bout where Barriault will once again hit his ceiling, however. He tends to leverage his cardio and toughness to outlast his opponents, while Njokuani should be able to get out to a lead and has already proven his ability to hang in deep waters. Add in that Barriault usually likes to take things into the clinch, where Njokuani is probably at his most offensively potent, and this seems like a difficult night for the Canadian, even if he should manage to survive and make this a messy affair at points. The pick is Njokuani via clear decision.

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