Following surprise UFC departure, Enrique Barzola excited to test free agency

Enrique Barzola didn’t think he’d be searching for a new home for his fighting career in 2021.

The winner of Season 2 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America” is currently a free agent and seeking a return to the cage with a new organization. Barzola (16-5-2) parted ways with the UFC in late 2020 after he was unable to renew his work visa to compete in the U.S.

The Peruvian fighter completed his 10-fight contract from “TUF” in March 2020, competing in the final event the promotion hosted before the COVID-19 pandemic. Barzola fought veteran Rani Yahya to a draw at UFC Fight Night 170 in Brasilia, Brazil.

“No, I’m not with UFC,” Barzola told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “My contract from winning ‘TUF: Latin America,’ which was a contract for four years and was for 10 fights, ended right at the start of the pandemic. That was April 2020. My visa was also given until that time, my work visa. It expired on April 20, 2020.

“When the pandemic started in March, many countries where shutting down and as well as the embassies and places where you can file that paperwork and start that process were closed. So, time kept passing by and it was impossible for me to renew my visa. I asked UFC for a fight when the UFC started making fights after March. There was many fighters waiting, and since I couldn’t travel because Peru was closed, my visa wasn’t renewed.”

Barzola picked up six wins, three defeats and a draw during his 10-fight octagon tenure. The 32-year-old was caught off guard when his time on the roster cam to an end.

“Yeah, it took me by surprise,” Barzola said. “I thought when things started moving again in the pandemic that maybe I would get a contract for two or three more fights. But this happened and you have to take it like (a) gentleman. This can happen to some of the best fighters in the world like Junior Dos Santos and others. You have to take it the best way possible, recognize your mistakes, see where you can improve.”

Despite not being with the most notable MMA organization on the planet, Barzola says there’s excitement in being a free agent.

He sat out for a while in 2020 while recovering from a knee injury, but he’s now healthy and gearing up for a comeback. Barzola wouldn’t mind returning to the regional circuit in South America to pick up a few belts, or head to bigger organizations such as Bellator, PFL or Combate Global.

“Right now I’m in a good spot in my career,” Barzola explained. “My record is good – I have 10 fights in the UFC with six wins, three loses and one tie. And in those I was never knocked out or submitted. I know I’m a tough fight for many. I’m not in UFC, but I can fight in other events.

“I don’t think the possibility with the UFC is closed, but right now I’m focused on fighting again and proving once again that I’m at the UFC level like I’ve always been. The opportunity is there, if you’re prepared anything can happen. It already happened to me when I was younger and it’s all about timing and being ready.”