Marc-Andre Barriault has had a roller coaster of a career in the MMA world, and the Canadian fighter is now seeking the consistency he needs to make a significant impact in the sport. With a record of 11-4, Barriault has had his share of ups and downs, but he believes that he’s learned from his mistakes and is now focused on becoming a more complete fighter.
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Barriault’s Early Career and UFC Debut
Barriault began his MMA career in 2012, and after a few years of honing his skills, he found himself on a seven-fight win streak from 2017 to 2019. This impressive run led to his UFC debut on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 151. However, his debut did not go as planned, as he lost a unanimous decision to Andrew Sanchez. Despite this setback, Barriault was determined to improve and bounce back from the loss. “I learned a lot from my mistakes, and I took the time to work on my weaknesses,” he said.
Facing Adversity and Suspension
Unfortunately, Barriault’s roller coaster career continued as he lost his next two fights, bringing his UFC record to 0-3. To make matters worse, his first UFC win in June 2020 was overturned due to a failed drug test. Barriault was suspended for six months but maintained his innocence, claiming that the substance found in his system was due to a contaminated supplement. “I’m not a cheater. I’ve been doing this sport for ten years. I’ve always been clean,” he insisted.
Despite the adversity he faced, Barriault remained committed to proving himself in the UFC. After serving his suspension, he returned to the octagon on June 5, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 189, where he finally secured a victory against Abu Azaitar. “It was a big relief. I was very happy and proud of myself,” he said.
As Barriault continues to pursue consistency in his career, his focus is on learning from his past experiences and growing as a fighter. With a renewed sense of determination, he is eager to put the roller coaster ride behind him and make a lasting impact in the world of MMA.