Enrique Barzola has turned a page in his MMA career and is ready to start his new chapter.
The Season 2 winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America” recently signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator and is set to debut for the promotion on Jan. 29 at Bellator 273. He’s got a big fight right off the bat, too, as he’s set to take on former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell.
Barzola (16-5-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) most recently competed in March 2020, when he fought veteran Rani Yahya to a draw at UFC Fight Night 170 in Brazil. It was the final bout on his UFC contract and he wasn’t resigned. It’s been a struggle for Barzola, as the embassies in Peru were closed due to the pandemic and he was unable to get a visa to work in the U.S.
It’s almost two years later, but now the AKA product is back and can’t wait to return to action under a new banner.
“I thought it was a great (move), the contract was good and I’m happy in my new home in Bellator,” Barzola told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I have a very tough fight against a former champion in Darrion Caldwell and I’m happy for this opportunity.”
Barzola respects Caldwell (15-5 MMA, 12-4 BMMA) and what he’s done in the promotion, but said he’s in no way shying away from setting high ambitions and goals inside Bellator.
“Absolutely, (the goal) it’s the title,” Barzola said. “I’m thinking a lot about the belt, of course, but right now my main focus is my opponent – Darrion Caldwell – who’s a very experienced fighter. But there’s nothing to fear from him. I know the tools that I have and the strength that I have, so I’m happy about that.
“I’m aways ready fight against anyone. Darrion Caldwell is a very experienced fighter and he’s been champion twice in the U.S.. He’s a great competitor and a former Bellator champion at 135 pounds. He’s got a good name. I’m a tough fight and I’ve fought against fighters with a lot of experience. I know with all the work I’ve been doing in this camp, brother, I’m in a mentality of eating him alive. I’m determined to beat him.”
Barzola’s signing puts him into arguably Bellator’s deepest division. Sergio Pettis currently sits as champion with many skilled contenders waiting in line to get a shot at the belt. Barzola is well aware of the opposition he’s up against.
“It’s a division with many good names,” Barzola said. “There’s Kyoji Horiguchi, Sergio Pettis, Darrion Caldwell, and other names who I don’t remember right now but they’re very good. Fighter who are training partners of champions such as T.J. Dillashaw, among others.
“I’m very excited with this new chapter. I’m at that level and I’ll keep focused, so I can keep improving. I’m eager to fight since I haven’t competed in almost two years. That’s how things went down, sometimes you have your objectives on sight, but certain circumstances can get in the way. But you have to maintain always focused.”
Enrique Barzola won’t fear Darrion Caldwell at Bellator 273, plans on ‘eating him alive’
