TORONTO – Few saw Sean Strickland upsetting Israel Adesanya and becoming UFC champion. Although the result shocked many, it also inspired others.
UFC middleweight Marc-Andre Barriault added fuel to his growing motivation of one day holding UFC gold after watching Strickland do what many deemed impossible.
“To see those guys Sean and Dricus fighting for the title, especially Sean winning the title last time, it proves me that everything is possible,” Barriault said at Wednesday’s UFC 297 media day. “So why not me? I’ve been in huge fights before. I’ve been a champion in my previous promotion, TKO, so I know what it takes to be a champion. I just need to, like I said, be myself, be confident, do the hard work, and fight hard.
“I’m pretty sure that after this fight – for myself, for my team and for the fans in the UFC – they’re going to put some respect on my name, and I’m going to be there for a big run.”
Barriault (16-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) competes on the main card of UFC 297, the event Strickland will be headlining in his first title defense against Dricus Du Plessis. Barriault takes on Chris Curtis (30-10 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in a middleweight matchup.
Although inspired by Strickland’s win, Barriault believes the title will change hands.
“I can see a new champion be crowned on Saturday,” Barriault said. “I think Dricus is strong, he’s a good guy, he’s a good fighter, too. He can take the fight wherever he wants. It depends on how he’s going to handle the game plan. We’ll see. Exciting matchup.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.
