Before Pat Barry fought Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 115, he was 5-1 and looked to climb up the heavyweight ladder by defeating the Pride legend.
Although Barry knocked Cro Cop down in the fight multiple times, a broken hand, foot, and eventually a rear naked choke would be the end result for Barry.
Since that loss, Barry has gone 2-2.
While Barry looked impressive in fights against Joey Beltran and Cheick Kongo, the latter proved that even when it looks like you have the fight won, you still need to protect yourself.
A badly rocked Kongo came back and knocked out Barry.
Barry would go on to lose to Stefan Struve by submission before showing improved submission defense against Christian Morecraft.
If Barry can pull off the win tonight against Lavar Johnson, it would be two straight victories and would indeed prove that Barry has found his rhythm again.
But if Barry losses tonight he will have lost three of his last four.
While it wouldn’t be three straight losses, Barry would be in danger of being cut from the UFC.
Barry is one of the most exciting heavyweights in MMA today, but a loss could prove that he will always remain a mid level fighter.
Although he’s a stocky 5’11, a loss may also make Barry think about dropping to light heavyweight thanks to his heavyweight run not being the greatest.
Either way, a loss would put one of the UFC’s biggest fan favorites in a tough spot.
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