To earn his second win in a row, Sanchez will have to go through UFC newcomer Marc-Andre Barriault, who comes into the fight with an impressive 11-1 resume that includes knockouts in his past two victories.
While he may be a rookie inside the Octagon, Sanchez is well aware of Barriault’s credentials because the two fighters actually sparred against each other less than a day before they were matched up to meet at the UFC Fight Night card in Ottawa.
“It’s kind of crazy. He’s from Canada, obviously, and he comes to Tristar sometimes and he came and sparred me. He sparred me on Friday, the matchmakers called on Saturday and offered me the fight,” Sanchez revealed. “What are the chances?
“It was hellacious sparring. We did so many rounds. It was a bit of a tape measuring competition because he wanted to test himself against a UFC guy because he’s a newcomer. I knew he wanted to test himself and he’s not from the gym technically so we’re just trying to murder each other. I know him very well. I felt everything he has to offer and vice versa.”
When it was all over, Sanchez felt like he got the better of Barriault, but none of that matters when they clash this weekend.
It turns out this isn’t the first time that Sanchez has fought a former training partner, except the last time he read too much into those sparring sessions and it cost him dearly.
He promises that won’t happen again.
“You can’t sleep on the kid. He’s got my full attention. I’m not underestimating this guy,” Sanchez said. “I underestimated Ryan Janes and look what happened. I’ll never do that again. Because I had trained with Ryan Janes, we had rolled and stuff, and that, along with a bunch of yes men, turned me into underestimating him and I won’t do that again.
“Barriault has got my full attention. He’s a tough guy with a lot of heart and sparring is different than fighting.”
