UFC 297’s Marc-Andre Barriault inspired by Sean Strickland title win

TORONTO – Few noticed Sean Strickland upsetting Israel Adesanya and turning into UFC champion. Though the end result shocked many, it additionally impressed others.

UFC middleweight Marc-Andre Barriault added gasoline to his rising motivation of at some point holding UFC gold after watching Strickland do what many deemed unattainable.

“To see these guys Sean and Dricus combating for the title, particularly Sean profitable the title final time, it proves me that every thing is feasible,” Barriault mentioned at Wednesday’s UFC 297 media day. “So why not me? I’ve been in enormous fights earlier than. I’ve been a champion in my earlier promotion, TKO, so I do know what it takes to be a champion. I simply must, like I mentioned, be myself, be assured, do the onerous work, and struggle onerous.

“I’m fairly certain that after this struggle – for myself, for my staff and for the followers within the UFC – they’re going to place some respect on my title, and I’m going to be there for a giant run.”

Barriault (16-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) competes on the principle card of UFC 297, the occasion Strickland might be headlining in his first title protection in opposition to Dricus Du Plessis. Barriault takes on Chris Curtis (30-10 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in a middleweight matchup.

Though impressed by Strickland’s win, Barriault believes the title will change fingers.

“I can see a brand new champion be topped on Saturday,” Barriault mentioned. “I feel Dricus is robust, he’s man, he’s fighter, too. He can take the struggle wherever he desires. It will depend on how he’s going to deal with the sport plan. We’ll see. Thrilling matchup.”

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