Chris Barnett, a native of Zaragoza, has long caught the attention of MMA fans with his unique fighting style and unwavering dedication to Spanish traditions. Despite holding American citizenship, he always enters the ring with the national flag of Spain, highlighting his deep connection to his homeland.
This weekend, Barnett is set to face Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. For Barnett, this fight is another chance to make his mark in the heavyweight division, where competition is especially fierce. Throughout his UFC career, he’s become known for his spectacular knockouts, including a rare spinning kick for his weight class, which has made him a fan favorite.
Since his debut in 2021, Barnett has struggled to find consistency: out of five fights, he has claimed two wins and suffered three losses. However, his presence at major events shows that organizers value the excitement he brings to the octagon. He already has 18 knockout victories to his name, underscoring his aggressive style.
Barnett’s opponent, Egyptian fighter Hamdy Abdelwahab, made a name for himself with a series of early victories, but lately his results have been less impressive. After a strong start in the UFC, he encountered setbacks: one bout ended in a no-contest, another win came by split decision, and his most recent fight ended in defeat.
Expectations are high for the upcoming fight: Barnett is known for always aiming to put on a show for the fans, regardless of the outcome. In October 2024, he returned to the octagon after a two-year hiatus, but a leg injury forced him to lose by technical knockout in the first round. After another year out of competition, the athlete is ready to step back into the arena to try and improve his ranking.
At 39, Barnett faces limited opportunities in the heavyweight division, where the competition remains fierce. Still, an impressive performance and an early finish could push him closer to the coveted top fifteen. However, he’ll need not only skill but also some luck, since a lack of consistency could lead to the end of his contract with the promotion.
The bout between Barnett and Abdelwahab is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Spanish time. The fight will be exclusively available to stream on the official UFC Fight Pass service.
