TORONTO | Marc-André Barriault failed to save Quebec's honor by losing to Chris Curtis by split decision at UFC 297.
• Also read: UFC 297: Jourdain loses by split decision
• Also read: Du Plessis defeats Strickland
The judges handed out cards 30-27, 28-29 and 30-27 in favor of Curtis (31-10-0, 17 KOs, 1 assist), who stopped the weight's winning streak at two middleweights (185 pounds) of Gatineau (16 -7-0, 10 KOs, 1 assist).
Aside from the final 30 seconds of the third round, the two fighters engaged in a duel with little relief. Boos could be heard in the first round.
It was clear earlier this week that the two men have great respect and appreciation for each other, and it feels like that has spilled over into the octagon as well.
The three Quebec fighters involved in the gala lost. Charles Jourdain also lost by split decision and Yohan Lainesse by submission.
Lack of aggression
Early in the second round, Barriault suffered a cut on his nose, but throughout the fight he was a little too cautious with his defense while neglecting the attack.
During this second fight, his corner yelled at him several times to advance on his opponent.
In a clash between two punchers, neither fighter attempted to knock his opponent to the ground.
Curtis mostly used his fists, while Barriault tried a few kicks and could have insisted a little more.
It was impossible to obtain comments from Barriault after the fight.
Jasmine Jasudavicius won by submission in the third round against Brazilian Priscila Cachoeira. Getty Images via AFP
Tough evening
Canada was particularly well represented at the gala with nine fighters from twelve fights, but the evening was difficult for the locals, who only managed two wins.
The women shone in the preliminary competitions. Jasmine Jasudavicius won by submission in the third round against Brazilian Priscila Cachoeira and Gillian Robertson won by knockout. technically in the second round against the Brazilian Polyana Viana.
There were high hopes for Mike Malott, the Canadian star of the evening, and he was on his way to victory when Neil Magny took control of the fight by pummeling Mallot and forcing the referee to stop the fight with 15 seconds left finish.
Malott was in poor condition and needed help getting down the steps of the octagon. With a blank stare, it's safe to assume he suffered a concussion.
Serhiy Sidey (in red) and Ramon Taveras fought a bitter battle. Getty Images via AFP
In defeat, Serhiy Sidey, making his UFC debut, delivered at least one of the best fights of the night against American Roman Taveras, who won by split decision.
Englishman Arnold Allen, who trains at the Tristar gym in Montreal, also suffered a defeat, losing by unanimous decision to Russian Movsar Evloev.