Picks For UFC On ESPN+ 9: Barriault Poised to Blitzkrieg Sanchez

• UFC Fight Night 151 on ESPN+ 9 takes place Saturday, May 4th at 5:00 p.m. ET
• Can Marc-Andre Barriault overcome the odds in his UFC debut?
• Will Brad Katona defeat Merab Dvalishvili in their Bantamweight showcase?

UFC Fight Night 151 on ESPN+ 9 goes live from Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario on Saturday, May 4th. The card features a number of intriguing bouts including Donald Cerrone vs Al Iaquinta at the top of the marquee. Also, Elias Theodorou takes on Derek Brunson in a match with Middleweight importance. There are multiple exciting fights from compatriots of the Great White North and I’ll dig into those more in my picks.

Barriault Blitzkriegs Sanchez

UFC Fight Night 151 marks the debut of dual division TKO titlist Marc-Andre Barriault. Barriault is one of he hottest prospects in Canada, presently holds gold at 185 lbs as well as 205 lbs for Canada’s biggest MMA promotion, and is  now making his debut for the UFC. Barriault has a tough out with Sanchez but I think people will be buzzing about the name Marc-Andre Barriault when the event has wrapped up.

Andrew Sanchez vs Marc-Andre Barriault odds

*All odds taken on 04/28/19

Barriault has eight KO stoppages in 11 wins and Sanchez has seven finishes in 10 wins (two subs and five striking stoppages). This will be Sanchez’s sixth foray into the Octagon which may present an edge for him as Barriault could potentially get melted by the heat of those UFC lights. I think the pressure will galvanize the TKO champ champ.

Marc-André Barriault | MMA Highlights 2019 (NEW UFC FIGHTER) https://t.co/UOGO8gzysc via @YouTube

— KAOS (@uoKAOS) February 26, 2019

I see Barriault rising to the occasion and showcasing his violent prowess in the nation’s capital.

Pick: Barriault ( +120)

Katona Outpaces Dvalishvili

UFC Fight Night 151 features a compelling Bantamweight showcase with Katona and Dvalishvili going at it. Katona won the 27th season of the Ultimate Fighter in the Featherweight ranks and won his UFC Bantamweight debut in his last bout. Dvalishvili has a bit more UFC tenure and is looking to halt the hype train surrounding Katona.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Brad Katona odds

Merab is a tough competitor with impressive wins over Raufeon Stots and Terrion Ware to his credit. I just don’t see the 27-year-old prospect getting his winning streak snapped by Dvalishvili.

?? TUF winner Brad Katona looks to stay undefeated at #UFCOttawa

? on-sale NOW ➡️ https://t.co/l2TuKdiV2S pic.twitter.com/6uz3hyAGZt

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) March 22, 2019

UFC Fight Night 151 features a pugilist riding a 13-fight winning streak dating back to his amateur run. I see Katona maintaining that spotless record and putting on a big show for his fellow Great White North compatriots in the audience.

Pick: Katona ( +130)

Bhullar Smothers Adams

The UFC us locking a couple of large lads in that cage. Bhullar vs Adams reads as an intriguing styles clash, on paper. Juan has a 100% finishing rate via strikes and this dates back to his amateur MMA efforts too. Juan has only left the first round once in his pro career. Arjan is known for his polished wrestling pedigree, smothering top control, and grinding style with his ground and pound.

Juan Adams vs Arjan Bhullar odds

UFC Fight Night 151 pits two Heavyweight prospects with two well-defined, direct paths to victory. I think Bhullar has the durability to withstand the strikes and use his pressure to take Adams down and into deep waters.

Arjan Bhullar finished Chris Catala with GNP R1 at HKFC 51 (2016) #UFCFightNight138 #UFCMoncton pic.twitter.com/Jg1ipCzDkA

— LORD HONKY HUMUNGUS (@Mr_Honky) October 26, 2018

I see the product out of Richmond, British Columbia using his wrestling to secure another Arjan Bhullar W and getting the partisan Ottawa crowd fired up. I see Bhullar taking things to the mat, advancing position, and either getting a late finish or securing an undeniable decision victory.

Pick: Bhullar (+110)