MMA Preview – Marc-Andre Barriault vs Eryk Anders at UFC 289
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT VS ERYK ANDERS FACTS
When is UFC 289? Sunday 11th June, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 289? Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 289? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 289
What channel is UFC 289 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 289? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
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!
MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT VS ERYK ANDERS LOWDOWN
Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6) fights on home soil for the third time in his UFC career. He is 2-2 in his last four with each fight ending in spectacular fashion. He suffered the first knockout of his career thanks to Chidi Njokuani (2022). He responded by submitting Jordan Wright (2022) but then suffered the first submission loss of his career courtesy of Anthony Hernandez’s arm triangle. He then bounced back by knocking out Julian Marquez in March this year.
Eryk Anders (15-7(1)) has been on a similar road in the UFC struggling for consistency but not excitement. He is also 2-2 in his last four. He won his rematch against Darren Stewart (2021) via unanimous decision but then lost two on the bounce getting submitted by Andre Muniz (2021) and missing out on a split decision to Jun Yong Park (2022). Like Barriault, he is also coming off a brilliant TKO which was over Kyle Daukaus (2022).
MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT VS ERYK ANDERS PREDICTION
These lumps match up very similarly with Anders packing more explosiveness and Barriault more endurance. They are both well-rounded and we will see a lot of heavy striking exchanges mixed in with clinch work.
Expect Anders to start strong while he is fresh threatening his bomb of a left hand and takedowns. Barriault will look to weather the storm and walk Anders down offloading in the pocket before trying to tie him up.
The Canadian is lethal at close range, but Anders is incredibly strong and will not give up control. We expect both of them to have success in their grappling and if either of them are more likely to land the takedown, it is Anders.
Anders should have the edge in the striking and wrestling department, but only early in the fight. Barriault can keep a high pace for three rounds whereas Anders will fade especially if Barriault can grind him down.
This will be a very competitive scrap, so Anders holds the value as the underdog, but we are leaning towards the hometown boy to grind out a decision.
Prediction: Barriault via Decision
Value bet: Anders to win
