Enrique Barzola

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Enrique Barzola
Barzolamma.jpg
BornEnrique Johnatan Barzola Acosta[1]
(1989-04-28) 28 April 1989 (age 32)
Lima, Peru[2]
Other namesEl Fuerte
NationalityPeruvian
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight65 kg (143 lb; 10 st 3 lb)
DivisionFeatherwweight
Bantamwweight (2020-present)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StyleWrestling, Luta Livre, Kickboxing, BJJ
Fighting out ofLima, Peru
TeamAmerican Top Team (2015–2019)[3]
American Kickboxing Academy (2019–present)[4]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total23
Wins16
By knockout4
By submission4
By decision8
Losses5
By decision5
Draws2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Enrique Johnatan Barzola Acosta[1] (born 28 April 1989) is a Peruvian mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of Bellator MMA. He was the lightweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2.[5] and he competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[2]

Background[]

Barzola was born in Lima, Peru. He was graphic designer and studied architecture in college briefly prior to fighting professionally in MMA.[2]

Barzola was a wrestler and never thought that he would become a professional fighter, due to money being scarce to pay for MMA lessons. He has enjoyed mixed martial arts from a young age, watching Cain Velasquez and Fedor Emelianenko on YouTube.[6] He transitioned from wrestling to mixed martial arts when he was 22.[2] After six months of training, he announced that he would one day fight in UFC where he was laughed at by his gym mates,[7] and four years later he became the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2".[5]

Mixed martial arts career[]

Early career[]

Barzola began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2012.

While on the regional circuit in South America, he competed primarily in his home country of Peru. He amassed a record of 10-2-1 prior joining UFC.[8]

The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2[]

Barzola was selected as one of the cast members for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 , UFC The Ultimate Fighter TV series, under Team Efrain Escudero in April 2015.[9]

In the elimination round, Barzola defeated the Chilean Jonathan Ortega by unanimous decision.[10] Barzola next faced Paraguayan Cesar Arzamendia in the semifinals and won by submission in round one. He moved on to face Horacio Gultierrez on UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Gastelum for the title belt.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[]

Barzola made his promotional debut on 21 November 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale. He faced Horacio Gutierrez in the finals for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2. He defeated Gutierrez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).[5]

He next faced Kyle Bochniak on 27 August 2016 at UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit.[11] He lost via split decision.[12] He stated after the fight that he disagreed with the judges decision saying "It was a very bad decision because everyone saw that I won. I connected more, I was more active and pressed all the time. I will correct some errors without considering this duel as a defeat".[13]

His third fight in UFC was against Chris Avila on 5 November 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.[14] He picked up a win via unanimous decision.[15]

On 13 May 2017, Barzola took up Gabriel Benítez at UFC 211.[16] After three rounds, judges awarded the win to Barzola via unanimous decision with (29-28) across the score board.[17]

Barzola faced Arnold Allen at UFC 220 on 20 January 2018.[18] However, Allen was pulled from the fight on 11 January due to alleged visa issues which restricted his ability to travel, and he was replaced by Matt Bessette.[19] Barzola won the fight by unanimous decision.[20]

Barzola faced Brandon Davis on 19 May 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129.[21] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[22]

Barzola was expected to face Nad Narimani on 17 November 2018 at UFC Fight Night 140.[23] However, on 25 October 2018, it was reported that Barzola pulled out of the fight due to arm injury.[24]

Barzola faced Kevin Aguilar on 30 March 2019 at UFC on ESPN 2.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Barzola faced Bobby Moffett on 10 August 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14.[27] He won the fight via split decision.[28]

Barzola faced Movsar Evloev on 26 October 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 20.[29] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[30]

Barzola faced Rani Yahya on 14 March 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170.[31] After a back-and-forth three rounds, the judges declared the bout a majority draw decision.[32]

After fighting out his four-year and 10-fight contract, he was not re-signed and became a free agent.[33][34]

Bellator MMA[]

On 11 August 2021, it was announced that Barzola signed a multifight contract with Bellator.[35]

Barzola is scheduled to make his promotional debut against Darrion Caldwell on January 29, 2022 at Bellator 273.[36]

Championships and accomplishments[]

Mixed martial arts[]

Personal life[]

Barzola's moniker "El Fuerte" means "The Fort / The Strong" in English and he considers himself as "The Fort of El Agustino" (El Agustino, a district of Lima) - a humble person who fights for his dream.[37]

Barzola appeared in the Reebok "Be More Human" Latin America advertising campaign.[38][39]

His favorite fighter is Stipe Miočić.[40]

He is also a Christian, and nicknames himself "Guerrero de Cristo" (Warrior for Christ), as this nickname is also written on a Peruvian flag that is usually shown in the octagon.[41]

Mixed martial arts record[]

Professional record breakdown
23 matches 16 wins 5 losses
By knockout 4 0
By submission 4 0
By decision 8 5
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Draw 16–5–2 Rani Yahya Draw (majority) UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira 14 March 2020 3 5:00 Brasília, Brazil Bantamweight debut.
Loss 16–5–1 Movsar Evloev Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren 26 October 2019 3 5:00 Kallang, Singapore
Win 16–4–1 Bobby Moffett Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko vs. Carmouche 2 10 August 2019 3 5:00 Montevideo, Uruguay
Loss 15–4–1 Kevin Aguilar Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje 30 March 2019 3 5:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 15–3–1 Brandon Davis Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman 19 May 2018 3 5:00 Santiago, Chile
Win 14–3–1 Matt Bessette Decision (unanimous) UFC 220 20 January 2018 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 13–3–1 Gabriel Benítez Decision (unanimous) UFC 211 13 May 2017 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 12–3–1 Chris Avila Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson 5 November 2016 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 11–3–1 Kyle Bochniak Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit 27 August 2016 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Return to Featherweight.
Win 11–2–1 Horacio Gutierrez Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Magny vs. Gastelum 21 November 2015 3 5:00 Monterrey, Mexico Won The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 Lightweight Tournament.
Win 10–2–1 Fernando Perez TKO (punches) Peru Fighting Championship 18 6 September 2014 2 4:36 Lima, Peru
Loss 9–2–1 Martin Mollinedo Decision (unanimous) Fusion Fighting Championship 9 16 July 2014 3 5:00 Lima, Peru
Win 8–2–1 Manuel Meza Decision (unanimous) Inka FC 26 24 May 2014 3 5:00 Lima, Peru
Win 8–1–1 Humberto Bandenay Submission (rear-naked choke) Inka FC 25 16 April 2014 2 N/A Lima, Peru
Loss 7–1–1 Fernando Bruno Decision (unanimous) 300 Sparta 5 Grand Prix 4 February 2014 2 5:00 Lima, Peru Featherweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 7–0–1 Marco Anatoly TKO (punches) 300 Sparta 5 Grand Prix 4 February 2014 2 N/A Lima, Peru Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 6–0–1 Missael Silva de Souza TKO (punches) Show Fighting Enterprise 2 30 November 2013 2 2:25 Quito, Ecuador
Win 5–0–1 Joel Iglesias TKO (punches) Inka FC 24 23 October 2013 2 3:29 Lima, Peru
Win 4–0–1 Jorge Enciso Submission (rear-naked choke) 300 Sparta MMA 4 10 October 2013 1 0:00 Lima, Peru
Draw 3–0–1 Gonzalo Vallejo Decision (unanimous) 300 Sparta MMA 2 17 July 2013 3 5:00 Lima, Peru
Win 3–0 Emiliano Nielli Submission (rear-naked choke) Inka FC 21 19 May 2013 3 0:00 Lima, Peru
Win 2–0 Jorge Luis Figueroa Duran Decision (unanimous) 300 Sparta MMA 1 24 April 2013 3 5:00 Lima, Peru
Win 1–0 Arturo Frias Submission (rear-naked choke) Inka FC 19 12 December 2012 1 2:28 Lima, Peru

[42]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Enrique Barzola". Tapology.com. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d "Enrique Barzola". UFC.com. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  3. ^ "La hazaña de Enrique Barzola deja huella peruana en UFC - FIGHTLAND". Fightland. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  4. ^ Danny Segura (10 August 2019). "Enrique Barzola details 'radical' training camp switch to AKA in preparation for UFC Uruguay". mmafighting.com.
  5. ^ a b c d "UFC Fight Night 78 results: Enrique Barzola dominates Horacio Gutierrez for 'TUF' crown". MMAjunkie. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  6. ^ "Central CMD: Informe especial sobre Enrique Barzola (UFC)". YouTube. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  7. ^ [1][dead link]
  8. ^ "Enrique". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  9. ^ "The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Cast Revealed - MMAWeekly.com". Mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  10. ^ [2][dead link]
  11. ^ "Enrique Barzola meets Kyle Bochniak at UFC on FOX 21". MMAjunkie. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  12. ^ "UFC on FOX 21 results: Kyle Bochniak's leg kicks help in split decision over Enrique Barzola". MMAjunkie. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  13. ^ "El peruano Barzola perdió con polémica en UFC". Univision.com. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  14. ^ "UFC Fight Night 98 adds Chris Avila vs. Enrique Barzola, Enrique Briones vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade". MMAjunkie. 5 October 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  15. ^ "UFC Fight Night 98 results: Enrique Barzola uses takedowns to cruise past Chris Avila". MMAjunkie. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  16. ^ "'The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America' vets Enrique Barzola and Gabriel Benitez meet at UFC 211 in Dallas". MMAjunkie. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  17. ^ "UFC 211 results: Enrique Barzola tops Gabriel Benitez in fun back-and-forth scrap". MMAjunkie. 13 May 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  18. ^ Bermúdez, Pablo (30 December 2017). "UFC: peruano Enrique Barzola enfrentará a Arnold Allen el 20 de enero en Boston". depor.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  19. ^ "UFC 220: Matt Bessette booked to fight Enrique Barzola". FanSided. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  20. ^ "UFC 220 results: Takedowns help Enrique Barzola to unanimous decision over Matt Bessette". MMAjunkie. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  21. ^ Marcel Dorff (12 April 2018). "Enrique Barzola meets Brandon Davis during UFC Fight Night 129 in Santiago". mmadna.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  22. ^ "UFC Fight Night 129 results: Enrique Barzola's wrestling too much for Brandon Davis". MMAjunkie. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  23. ^ Marcel Dorff (16 August 2018). "Enrique Barzola vs. Nad Narimani first known fight for UFC Buenos Aires" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
  24. ^ DNA, MMA. "Enrique Barzola geblesseerd, vecht niet tegen Nad Narimani tijdens UFC Buenos Aires". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  25. ^ Marcel Dorff (7 February 2019). "Featherweight match between Enrique Barzola and Kevin Aguilar at UFC Philadelphia" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  26. ^ "UFC Philadelphia: Kevin Aguilar denies takedowns, decisions Enrique Barzola". MMA Junkie. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  27. ^ Trome, Redacción (14 June 2019). "Enrique Barzola volverá a la acción en el UFC Uruguay, ante 'El Hombre Lobo' Bobby Moffett". trome.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 15 June 2019.[permanent dead link]
  28. ^ Harshman, Heath (10 August 2019). "UFC Uruguay Results: Enrique Barzola Narrowly Out-Works Bobby Moffett for Split-Decision Victory". Cageside Press. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  29. ^ DNA, MMA. "BREAKING: Enrique Barzola vs. Movsar Evloev toegevoegd aan UFC Singapore". Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  30. ^ Anderson, Jay (26 October 2019). "UFC Singapore Results: Movsar Evloev Earns Hard-Fought Decision Over Game Enrique Barzola". Cageside Press. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  31. ^ DNA, MMA. "De UFC bevestigd drie nieuwe gevechten voor UFC Brasilia (incl. potentiële #1 contender gevecht)". Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  32. ^ Anderson, Jay (14 March 2020). "UFC Brasilia Results: Rani Yahya Dominates Early, Enrique Barzola Storms Back in Majority Draw". Cageside Press. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  33. ^ Simon, Zane (29 January 2013). "List of current UFC fighters". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  34. ^ Danny Segura (15 May 2021). "Following surprise UFC departure, Enrique Barzola excited to test free agency". MMAjunkie.com.
  35. ^ "'TUF: Latin America 2' winner Enrique Barzola signs multifight contract with Bellator". MMA Junkie. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  36. ^ ATSteveDuncan (13 December 2021). "Enrique Barzola debutará en Bellator MMA el 29 de enero". MMA.uno , #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  37. ^ "TUF: Latin America Finale Prelim Breakout Star: Enrique Barzola - MMA Manifesto". Thesportsdaily.com. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  38. ^ Peru.com (16 November 2016). "UFC: Enrique Barzola y su conmovedora historia que enorgullece al Perú". Perú.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  39. ^ "Enrique Barzola y su lado más humano". YouTube. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  40. ^ Alva, Gino (26 August 2016). "Enrique Barzola: "En UFC me verán más evolucionado contra Bochniak"". MMA.uno , #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in Spanish). Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  41. ^ "UFC: Enrique Barzola y sus emotivas palabras para celebrar su ingreso a la empresa" (in Spanish). 22 November 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  42. ^ Sherdog.com. "Enrique". Sherdog. Retrieved 26 December 2019.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""