TORONTO | Marc-André Barriault wasn’t able to save Quebec’s honor by losing by a split decision to Chris Curtis at UFC 297.
• Also read: UFC 297: Jourdain loses by split decision
The judges hand out scorecards of 30-27, 28-29, and 30-27 in favor of Curtis (31-10-0, 17 KOs, 1 submission) who ended the win streak of the light heavyweight (185 lb) from Gatineau (16-7-0, 10 KOs, 1 submission).
Except for the last 30 seconds of the third round, both fighters engaged in a grueling battle. The boos started to be heard as early as the first round.
It was clear earlier this week that both men have a lot of respect and appreciation for each other and it seems to have translated into the octagon.
All three Quebec fighters involved in the event lost. Charles Jourdain also lost by a split decision and Yohan Lainesse by submission.
Lack of Aggression
Barriault was cut on the top of the nose early in the second round, but throughout the fight he was too cautious with his defense and neglected the attack.
In the second round, his corner also shouted several times for him to advance on the opponent.
In a matchup between two strikers, neither of the fighters attempted to take down the opponent.
Curtis mainly used his fists while Barriault attempted a few kicks and could have pushed a little more.
It was impossible to gather comments from Barriault after the fight.
Crédito da foto: Getty Images via AFP
Tough Night
Canada was particularly well represented at this event with nine fighters in twelve fights, but it was a tough night for the locals who only managed to secure two wins.
The women shone in the preliminary fights. Jasmine Jasudavicius won by submission in the third round against Brazilian Priscila Cachoeira and Gillian Robertson won by technical knockout in the second round against Brazilian Polyana Viana.
There were high hopes for Mike Malott, who was the Canadian star of the night, and he was walking towards victory when Neil Magny took control of the clash by pounding Mallot, forcing the referee to stop the fight 15 seconds from the end.
Mallott was in bad shape, needing help to go down the octagon steps. With a blank look, it is safe to assume that he suffered a concussion.
Crédito da foto: Getty Images via AFP
In defeat, Serhiy Sidey, making his UFC debut, at least delivered one of the best fights of the night against American Roman Taveras, who won by split decision.
Englishman Arnold Allen, who trains at Tristar gym in Montreal, also suffered a defeat, losing by unanimous decision to Russian Movsar Evloev.