Enrique Barzola believes his size will play a major factor against Magomed Magomedov.
Barzola (18-5-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) meets Magomedov in the bantamweight grand prix quarterfinals at Bellator 282 on June 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Having competed at 145 pounds for the majority of his career, Barzola expects to overpower Magomedov (18-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA).
“Now I feel very good, I feel bigger for this weight class, but when I fight Magomed, he will feel my power,” Barzola told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’m gonna surprise him. I’m gonna destroy this guy.”
He continued, “Magomed is a good fighter, has a lot of experience in fighting. He fought Petr Yan twice, (went) 1-1 right. But it doesn’t matter because I’m ready for him. My record is 18 wins. Magomed has a similar record, but in the fight, this guy is gonna feel my power, my weight because this guy always fights short guys. I watched his last fights, very small guys.”
Barzola qualified for the grand prix by defeating Fedor Emelianenko protege Nikita Mikhailov. Training out of American Kickboxing Academy, “El Fuerte” has the utmost confidence in his skills to become champion.
“If he wants to fight on the floor, in the standup, no problem for me because I’m ready to fight anywhere,” Barzola said. “This guy never fought someone like me. My mind, my spirit is connected. I want to break him mentally in the fight. I never get tired in all my fights, but when I fight this guy, I’m gonna push, pressure all the time.”
Enrique Barzola intends to ‘destroy’ Magomed Magomedov with power at Bellator 282