UFC on FOX: Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson
Pat Barry (7-4) vs. Lavar Johnson (16-5)
Heavyweight knockout artists will treat viewers to a fan-friendly war in the opening bout of the FOX telecast.
Barry, 32, a former K-1 kickboxer, has been unable to string together a pair of victories since joining the UFC in 2008. Barry has earned key wins over Christian Morecraft, Joey Beltran and Antoni Hardonk, but his lack of submission skills were exposed in losses to Stefan Struve, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Tim Hague.
Barry was involved in one of the biggest come-from-behind fights in UFC history last June as he had Frenchman Cheick Kongo on the verge of collapse before succumbing to a brutal one-punch knockout in the first round.
Despite his less-than-stellar record, the Team Death Clutch member remains a fan favorite due to his friendly personality, fearless style and flashy kickboxing tricks. The New Orleans native throws some of the most lethal leg kicks in the heavyweight division, which could be a key weapon to keep his equally hard-punching adversary at bay.
Johnson, 34, made a profound statement in his UFC debut this past January, knocking out Beltran in spectacular fashion to rebound from successive setbacks under the Strikeforce banner.
The American Kickboxing Academy pupil has overcome significant adversity to make it to the biggest stage in the sport after being shot in the abdomen in July 2009.
Johnson is looking to make the most of his opportunity, but Barry is undoubtedly the best striker he has ever encountered.
The former college linebacker will need to come out swinging heavy leather in hopes of connecting flush on Barry’s chin. Conversely, Barry will need to utilize his speed, footwork and kicks to break down his much taller opponent.
If his strategy is soundly implemented, Barry will find success against a far more predictable striker, brutalizing his legs and body before putting him away with a heavy flurry in the second stanza.
Verdict: Barry via TKO, Round 2
