After reading up on Krzysztof Jotko’s recent comments to the media, Marc-Andre Barriault feels the Polish fighter is overlooking him heading into UFC 240.
Edmonton, AB — Despite a setback in his UFC debut, Marc-Andre Barriault has a big opportunity to showcase his skills at UFC 240 this weekend. Main card placement, against Krzysztof Jotko, as game an opponent as any in the UFC middleweight division.
Cageside Press caught up to Jotko at Thurday’s UFC 240 media day, where the Polish fighter told us in an exclusive interview that his team saw Barriault as a good match-up for him. In another one-on-one chat with Canada’s Barriault, the Canadian fighter took umbrage with the fact that Jotko was overlooking him.
“I know he’s a well-rounded fighter. He has more experience than me but like I said before, I’m a different kind of animal,” Barriault told us Thursday. “He’s probably underestimating me. He will quickly find out why they call me Power Bar and taste it badly.”
Asked if there was any particular reason he felt his opponent was overlooking him, Barriault added that “it’s my feeling, but also because during an interview I saw him talk about how he doesn’t know my name or anything about me. I think he didn’t do his homework and sees me as a normal fighter. I’m not a normal guy.” Having won gold at both middleweight and light heavyweight, he’s certainly a special athlete.
Barriault (11-2) was working hard at his weight cut Thursday, jug of water with him throughout the day. He made the mark Friday. “It’s part of the process, the water loading. Everything is going well. I think it’s going to be the easiest weight cut. I can’t wait to finally make weight. Then after that, finally enjoy the fight.”
Asked whether he wanted some time to reflect after his debut loss opposite Andrew Sanchez at UFC Ottawa, or get back to work quickly, Barriault told us that he wanted back “right away. That was part of the plan, to stay active and look forward to the next challenge, and here I am.”
As to what he took away from the loss, “I’ve learned a lot from the environment of the UFC. I know I belong in this game so it’s not a question of skillset, it’s just about all the process now,” said Barriault “I’m used to it, so I’m just enjoying everything and I just need to let loose during fight night so I can be the best version of myself.”
One difference from many losing fighters, especially those not in a main or co-main event, was that Marc-Andre Barriault came out post-fight at UFC Ottawa to speak with the media. “I wanted to stay present for my fan base, that’s why I was there after the loss,” he said. “I think it’s an honor for me to perform in front of my country. I’m going in there to show everything I have inside. I will not disappoint them.”
“We have a good fanbase and I think new people will know me after fight night,” he added.
From opponent Jotko, he’s expecting a bit of a chase will be required. “I know Krzysztof will probably try to run away from me because I am a pressure fighter so he will try to stick and move. He will quickly understand that I will force him to fight the way I want. It will be a dirty fight, a tough fight. First round, maybe second. Knockout.”
UFC 240 takes place Saturday, July 27 at the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The main card airs live on PPV.
