The main card of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder features an explosive middleweight showdown between Russia’s Sharabutdin Magomedov and Canadian veteran Marc-André Barriault. This striker’s delight has “bonus potential” written all over it.
Sharabutdin Magomedov
Sharabutdin “Bullet” Magomedov (15–1) is one of the most dynamic strikers in the division, known for his lethal Muay Thai, creative attacks, and knockout power. A former Lethwei and Muay Thai standout, he owns 12 finishes by KO, including a spinning backfist KO over Armen Petrosyan that earned Performance of the Night honors. He’s fought three times in Abu Dhabi and thrives under the spotlight there.
Magomedov’s lone loss came earlier this year to Michael “Venom” Page via decision, where he struggled with range and movement. Despite that setback, he remains one of the most dangerous and unpredictable strikers at 185 lbs. He prefers to keep the fight standing, with vicious knees, elbows, and spinning techniques at his disposal.
Sharabutdin Magomedov – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Michael Page – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Adesanya vs. Imavov, Feb 1, 2025
* Win vs. Armen Petrosyan – KO (Spinning Backfists) – UFC 308, Oct 26, 2024
* Win vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, Aug 3, 2024
* Win vs. Antonio Trócoli – TKO (Knee & Punches) – UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov, Jun 22, 2024
* Win vs. Bruno Silva – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 294, Oct 21, 2023
Marc-André Barriault
Marc-André “Powerbar” Barriault (17–9, 1 NC) is a gritty, pressure-heavy striker with serious knockout power and the toughness to match. Coming off a brutal KO win over Bruno Silva in May, he’s shown he can still be a threat in violent brawls. However, he’s been inconsistent, with three first-round KO losses in his last four appearances, showing vulnerability to fast, technical opponents.
Barriault thrives in wild exchanges, often dragging opponents into dirty boxing battles. But when outpaced or outclassed in speed, he tends to get caught early. His chin is a concern, especially against a finisher like Magomedov.
Marc-André Barriault – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Bruno Silva – KO (Elbows & Punches) – UFC 315, May 10, 2025
* Loss vs. Dustin Stoltzfus – KO (Punches) – UFC FN: Moreno vs. Albazi, Nov 2, 2024
* Loss vs. Joe Pyfer – KO (Punches) – UFC 303, Jun 29, 2024
* Loss vs. Chris Curtis – Decision (Split) – UFC 297, Jan 20, 2024
* Win vs. Eryk Anders – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 289, Jun 10, 2023
This is a pure striker vs. striker matchup. Magomedov brings finesse, speed, and unorthodox attacks, while Barriault brings pressure, power, and grit. The danger for Barriault lies in his slow starts and openness to clean shots early. If he can survive the first few minutes and wear Magomedov down, he could rally. But if recent form holds, Magomedov’s precision striking is likely too much.
Prediction:
Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Marc-André Barriault via KO (Head Kick) – Round 1
Expect fireworks early, and don’t blink.