Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders Odds
Two middleweights looking for some momentum will kick off the UFC 289 main card with Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders.
Barriault will fight in his home country as he meets a fellow finisher in Anders.
Which 185-pounder has the edge and can finally string together some consecutive wins? Let's break it down.
Tale of the Tape
| Barriault | Anders | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 15-6 | 15-7 |
| Avg. Fight Time | 10:52 | 11:58 |
| Height | 6'1" | 6'1" |
| Weight (pounds) | 185 lbs. | 185 lbs. |
| Reach (inches) | 74" | 75" |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Date of birth | 2/18/1990 | 4/21/1987 |
| Sig Strikes Per Min | 5.90 | 3.39 |
| SS Accuracy | 47% | 47% |
| SS Absorbed Per Min | 5.18 | 4.22 |
| SS Defense | 54% | 50% |
| Take Down Avg | 0.28 | 1.59 |
| TD Acc | 25% | 26% |
| TD Def | 62% | 79% |
| Submission Avg | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Saturday's main-card opener is closely lined, and judges may have to weigh Anders' power advantage against Barriault's strike volume.
The Canadian Barriault averages 12.5 strike attempts per minute compared to 7.2 for Anders, and he also has a positive strike differential (+0.72 strikes landed minus absorbed per minute). Anders (-0.83) allows his opponents to both land more strikes and attempt more strikes (8.44 per minute).
This fight should be close and competitive throughout. Anders likely possesses most of the grappling upside whether by landing takedowns or controlling Barriault up against the cage.
However, Barriault has better cardio – and the home crowd in his corner, so even if he loses the first round by getting knocked down or otherwise – I think he can rally over the final 10 minutes to secure a decision.
Anders continues to fight hard even when he's tired. Still, Barriault should provide better optics for the judges, who are likelier to score Barriault's range volume – in his home country – over Anders' potential clinch control and short-range shots.
Barriault vs. Anders Pick
Bet Barriault live after Round 1 if he flips from a favorite to an underdog.
From a pre-fight perspective, however, I don't see any way to recommend an actionable betting angle on this fight.
The fight's outcome could swing in the clinch; if Barriault can land equal or better offense from those positions, I think he will take a decision.
The Pick: Marc-Andre Barriault live after Round 1
