Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Peru’s Enrique Barzola as he takes on fellow TUF Latin America contestant Horacio Gutierrez at UFN 78 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Enrique “El Fuerte” Barzola Hometown: El Agustino, Peru Age: 26 Height: 5’7” Reach: 70″ Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Pitbull Martial Arts Center Career Record: 10-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Fernando Bruno Background The Peruvian MMA fighter began fighting professionally in 2012. Eight of his 10 career wins have come via stoppage. He’s faced one UFC fighter during his career; a loss to Brazilian Fernando Bruno. Strengths
- Diverse striking game
- Uses a lot of leg kicks
- Can be pretty relentless with ground and pound
- Uses a nice variety of body strikes
Weaknesses
- Small for the division
- Can be pushed against the cage
- Poor striking defense
- Struggles to hold opponents on the ground
Matchup with Horacio Gutierrez On TUF, many times there are fighters competing outside of their natural weight class. Horacio Gutierrez is a strong lightweight who throws punches and kicks with conviction. Enrique Barzola, on the other hand, is much smaller for the weight class and could possibly even make bantamweight. Barzola has struggled in the past with bigger fighters and can be pushed against the cage. I think this bout will be defined by the physical advantages Gutierrez has in his favor. Yes, he’s short on experience and has a questionable gas tank, but I don’t expect him to need it as he overpowers Barzola becoming a TUF Champion and earning a UFC contract. UFC Ceiling Like many of the recent international fighters, he’s much greener than his American and Russian contemporaries entering the UFC. He’s got a decent offensive striking game with effective ground and pound. At lightweight, he’s way too small to compete. Even at featherweight, he’d have trouble competing. If he can make the drop to bantamweight, he may be able to get a couple wins in the organization. Like many TUF participants, improvement can be significant when he enters the UFC. Fight Film Check out Enrique Barzola in some of his most recent fights: Enrique Barzola vs. Martin Mollinedo Enrique Barzola vs. Fernando Perez