Preview: UFC Fight Night 191 Prelims

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Middleweights

NR | Marc-Andre Barriault (12-4, 1-3 UFC) vs. NR | Dalcha Lungiambula (11-2, 2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Barriault (-155), Lungiambula (+135)

Lungiambula remains a fascinating entry into the UFC’s middleweight division, if only because it is surprising that he can make 185 pounds. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and training out of South Africa, Lungiambula made noise on the African scene as a ball of muscle capable of knocking out his opponents with one burst of offense. That eventually led him to claiming titles at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, which in turn led the UFC to call. Lungiambula picked up where he left off against Dequan Townsend but got completely outclassed by Magomed Ankalaev, so he surprisingly announced his move down to 185 pounds. It is still unclear exactly how Lungiambula was able to make weight given his muscular frame, but he made it for his bout against Markus Perez in January, and the fight turned into an adventure. Lungiambula looked every bit a physical hulk for about half the fight, at which point his gas tank absolutely betrayed him. Despite that development, Lungiambula still managed to overpower and control Perez enough to coast to a decision win, exhausted as he was by the end. Hopefully, Lungiambula has solved some of those issues this time around, since Barriault figures to be a much stiffer test.

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Quebec’s Barriault separated himself as a top fighter on the Canadian scene, but it was difficult to tell how “Power Bar” would fare in the UFC as someone who got by more on durability and grit than any sort of surprising athleticism or technique. Barriault had a rough start to his UFC career, but he finds himself with some momentum for the first time in a while. He knocked out Oskar Piechota in 2020 before that fight was overturned to a no contest, then outlasted Abu Azaitar for a stoppage win in March. Barriault’s straight-ahead approach figures to get him immediately outwrestled and thrown around by Lungiambula, but as long as he survives, he should be able to turn the tide greatly late in the fight; and if Barriault has shown anything thus far, it is his ability to absorb damage and keep the fight going. The pick is Barriault via decision.

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