MMA Match Preview: Shara Magomedov (15-1-0) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (17-9-0)

In a high-stakes middleweight clash at UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, Shara “Bullet” Magomedov looks to rebound from his first professional loss as he takes on Canadian veteran Marc-Andre “Powerbar” Barriault at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With both fighters known for their knockout power and aggressive styles, this bout promises fireworks.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Shara Magomedov	Marc-Andre Barriault
Age	31	35
Height	6′2″	6′1″
Reach	73″	74″
Record (MMA)	15-1-0	17-9-0
UFC Record	4-1	6-8
Style	Muay Thai / Kickboxing	Pressure Boxer / Dirty Boxing

Shara Magomedov – The Flashy Finisher

Strengths:

Unorthodox striking with spinning attacks and knees

High strike accuracy (68.7%)

Strong finishing instincts (12 career KOs)

Recent Form:

Loss to Michael Page (Feb 2025, UD)

KO wins over Armen Petrosyan and Antonio Trocoli

Game Plan:

Control range with kicks and feints

Avoid clinch and dirty boxing

Set traps for highlight-reel counters

Magomedov’s loss to Page was a reality check, but his explosive style and fan-friendly finishes still make him one of the UFC’s most marketable middleweights. Fighting in Abu Dhabi, he’ll have crowd support and a stylistic edge against a forward-charging opponent.

Marc-Andre Barriault – The Durable Brawler

Strengths:

High-volume striking (6.02 strikes/min)

Strong chin and inside fighting

KO power with 10 career finishes

Recent Form:

KO win over Bruno Silva (May 2025)

Losses to Joe Pyfer and Chris Curtis

Game Plan:

Close distance and initiate clinch

Pressure Magomedov into exchanges

Test Magomedov’s defense and cardio

Barriault snapped a three-fight skid with a brutal KO of Silva, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. He’s confident and motivated, but his aggressive style could play into Magomedov’s counter-striking strengths.

Key Dynamics

Range vs. Pressure: Magomedov thrives at distance; Barriault wants a phone-booth fight.

Speed vs. Grit: Magomedov’s athleticism and creativity vs. Barriault’s toughness and volume.

Momentum vs. Redemption: Magomedov seeks to bounce back; Barriault aims to build on his recent KO win.