UFC 297: Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault for odds, predictions, and choices
ESPN+ will air the early prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET, and ESPN/ESPN+ will air the prelims at 8 p.m. ET. At 10 p.m. ET, the main card goes live on Pay-Per-View.
Records: Barriault (16-6-0) | Curtis (30-10-0)
At UFC 289, Curtis defeated Nassourdine Imavov via unanimous decision after the latter unintentionally struck Curtis’ right eye during Round 2. Following an examination by medical professionals, Curtis reported that he was blind in his right eye. The bout was called off despite the Action Man’s pleas for further time to referee Jason Herzog.
Curtis has only won once in his previous three fights a unanimous decision loss against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 282 and is now only 1-2 overall. His one victory came by KO/TKO over Joaquin Buckley.
Last time out, Barriault defeated Eryk Anders by majority decision at UFC 289, and in the second round of UFC 285 he submitted Julian Marquez by KO/TKO. In the last seven bouts, he has gone 5-2, winning two by knockout, one by submission, and two by unanimous decision. He has also suffered losses by submission and KO/TKO.
Curtis, 36, has an edge in reach of 1.5 inches, while Barriault has a lead in important blows landed per minute of 5.95 to 5.36. Additionally, the Canadian fighter’s takedown and submission averages are 0.24 and 0.12, respectively.
UFC 297: Chances for Curtis vs. Barriault
supplied by BetMGM Sportsbook; for a complete list, see the USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds website. The last update was made at 2:00 PM ET.
Results of the fight (two-way line): Barriault +150 (bet $100 to win $150) vs. Curtis -185 (bet $185 to win $100).
2.5 rounds of “over” and “under” (Over -165 | Under +130)
Will there be a long-term fight? No +100 | Yes -135
UFC 297: Predictions and choices for Curtis vs. Barriault
Battle outcome (two-way line or moneyline)
In this very competitive fight, the Canadian boxer BARRIAULT (+150) is a worthy underdog who should be able to capitalize on the energy of the audience and ride the wave of passion to victory.
Barriault has emerged as the more attractive fighter of late, having won two of his last three fights by decision, KO/TKO, and submission. He has several winning strategies, which will help him against the seasoned Curtis (-185).
Above/Below (O/U)
Although it’s not exactly outrageously pricey, Over 2.5 Rounds (-165) isn’t exactly cheap either.Certainly (-355): SUCCESS IN GOING THE DISTANCE?is a better deal, even if Barriault has only made it to the last two rounds of his previous six fights. With the exception of his most recent no-contest, Curtis has completed the course of action in three of his last four fights.
It’s also worth a throw of the dice to play BARRIAULT BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+400) if you want to increase your original stake by four times.