Fan-favorite UFC heavyweight competitor Chris Barnett returns to action after an extensive layoff this weekend at UFC 321, but will the time away from the cage and his advancing age be a detriment to securing his first win in over three years?
Chris Barnett Makes Comeback in Middle East Saturday
After exactly 364 days since his last appearance in the Octagon, Chris Barnett will take to the biggest stage in combat sports when he faces Egyptian-born fighter Hamdy Abdelwahab. The tilt marks “Beastboy”’s first in the promotion since losing to Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 308 last October, where he lost to the former light heavyweight prospect by first round knockout.
Over the course of his four year tenure in the company, the taekwondo specialist has garnered much praise from audiences for his fan-friendly fighting style. Although his debut played out with a disappointing short-notice setback to UFC heavyweight luminary Ben Rothwell, the Spaniard native soared back into the win column in magnificent fashion with a spinning heel kick knockout over Gian Villante.
Since that victory, however, Chris Barnett has struggled to remain consistent in the cage, going 1-2 in his next three scraps. He has also had a hard time making it to fight day in recent times, having to pull out of three different events in 2024.
Abdelwahab With Similar Problems Ahead of Chris Barnett Fight in UFC 321
In a similar situation himself, Abdelwahab’s journey in the UFC has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Initially defeating Don’Tale Mayes in his freshman outing in the organization, “The Hammer” wound up testing positive for PED’s following the match, leading to a two-year ban from the sport. He then failed a second test last year, leading him to suffer another ban from competition that lasted six months. Since making his return to the UFC last February, Abdelwahab has gone 1-1, besting Jamal Pogues but faltering to Ultimate Fighter winner Mohammed Usman.
Can Chris Barnett Resume his Stride Despite Age and Layoff at UFC 321?
Competing in his sixth contest as a UFC heavyweight, Chris Barnett will undoubtedly strive to put on a pleasing performance for fight fans around the world. But, given the fact that he turned 39 this past June (making him tied as the second oldest man in the 265-lb division) it is uncertain how his athleticism will hold up against the much younger Abdelwahab, who is 32 years old.
It also remains to be seen if Chris Barnett’s extensive time away from combat has given him any ring rust at all. Fighting just five times over the past four years, on top of coming off of a stoppage loss, there’s no telling if the former Island Fights champion killer instinct has been dulled or not since his last excursion to the Octagon.
