MMA Preview – Joe Pyfer vs Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC 303
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JOE PYFER VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT FACTS
When is UFC 303? Sunday 30th June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 303? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 303? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 303
What channel is UFC 303 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 303? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JOE PYFER VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT LOWDOWN
The Joe Pyfer (12-3) hype train was thoroughly derailed at UFC Fight Night 236. He headlined his first UFC card while riding a five-fight win streak including four knockouts and a submission. He was a huge favourite but got outclassed and humbled over five rounds to suffer the first UFC defeat of his career.
Marc-Andre Barriault (16-7(1)) has been lined up to fraud check the prospect. He is 2-2 in his last four which were typically inconsistent displays. He got submitted by Anthony Hernandez (2022) and went on to TKO Julian Marquez (2023) and outpoint Eryk Anders (2023) in a ‘Fight of the Night’. Now, he is coming off a split decision loss to Chris Curtis (2024).
JOE PYFER VS MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT PREDICTION
This will be a real test of Pyfer’s character. Barriault is very durable and will not roll over for the prospect. There is a lot of pressure on Pyfer as anything less than a flawless performance will see a lot of casual fans write him off.
Barriault will keep up a pace and throw a lot of volume until the bell. He is also very powerful in the clinch, and he will look at the Hermansson fight and feel he can grind Pyfer down.
However, Barriault does not have the wrestling of Hermansson and Pyfer is a different beast over three rounds. He will have a fire under him, and he will unleash his hands early and often seeking the killer blow. He is a better boxer and also possesses dangerous kicks.
He is not the most technical wrestler, but his power and explosiveness can win the grappling exchanges and put the Canadian on his back. Over five rounds, Barriault will fancy his chances with his cardio and volume however, we can see Pyfer blowing him out of the water early.
If this goes past the second it will be interesting, but we can see an early Pyfer finish.
Prediction: Pyfer via KO/TKO
Value Bet: Poirier to win
