Marc-Andre Barriault, known as Canada's "Power Bar," is swiftly moving forward following his impressive performance at UFC 315 in Montreal. Just days after earning a knockout victory against Bruno Silva, Barriault has signed a new contract and secured a fight against the challenging opponent Shara Bullet, officially known as Sharabutdin Magomedov. This highly anticipated matchup is set to take place on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
SportsNet, the official broadcaster of the UFC in Canada, was among the first to report this exciting news, which has now been confirmed by the UFC. Barriault’s recent victory over Silva was crucial as it not only marked a significant win but also potentially saved his place on the UFC roster. The fight concluded with a stunning knockout that sent Silva to the hospital on a stretcher; however, all medical tests returned negative, ensuring his well-being, according to UFC officials. This win notably ended Barriault's three-fight losing streak and reinforced his determination as he transitions his fighting career from Canada to Florida.
On the other side, Shara Bullet will head into this bout following his first professional loss. Magomedov faced a setback against Michael “Venom” Page, a former Bellator star, which interrupted his incredible run of four straight wins in the UFC. Though this loss is a tough hurdle, Magomedov remains a formidable opponent, bringing a professional record of 15 wins and only one loss to the Octagon.
The event, UFC Abu Dhabi, is not only important for Barriault and Magomedov but also features a main event that highlights the talent in the sport. Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, is set to face Reinier de Ridder, also a former ONE Championship double-champion. The card is already shaping up to be an exciting evening for fight fans.
In addition to Barriault vs. Magomedov, several intriguing matchups were announced for UFC Abu Dhabi. These include Nikita Krylov taking on Bogdan Guskov, Ramazan Temirov facing Asu Almabayev, and Ibo Aslan squaring off against Billy Elekana. Each fight promises to display high-level competition and the fierce spirit of mixed martial arts.
As the date approaches, the anticipation builds around what will surely be a thrilling night of fights in Abu Dhabi. For Barriault and his supporters, this bout against Shara Bullet is a critical next step in solidifying his status in the UFC. Fans are eager to see if Barriault can continue his momentum and secure another victory, further proving his resilience and skill in the sport of mixed martial arts.