The slow starts are something he’s worked on over the years and talked about with his coaches, looking for ways to get loose and locked in quicker; to shift from low-key, easy-going Bryan into the club-wielding Flintstones character he’s named after in a more timely fashion.
They’ve rearranged his training schedule and contemplated doing more than a simple shake-out in the back before making the walk, but ultimately, Barberena thinks it comes down to just embracing that “in the mud” style as soon as he sets foot inside the cage.
“I think it’s just that I need to throw everything out the window and go get this guy,” he began. “Let’s not waste any time thinking — let’s just flip that ‘Bam Bam’ switch and go get him.
“Sometimes I’m able to find my groove a little faster, but when it comes down to it, it needs to be ‘throw it all out the window and let’s go.’”
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Now a little over a year removed from his medical emergency and pondering his future as a fighter, Barberena is ready to step into the Octagon once more. He’s shaken off the rust from those 10 months on the sidelines and having fought just twice since June 2019, and is eager to taste sweet victory once more.
“Winning is the thing that matters,” he said flatly. “Winning moves you forward. Winning gets you the money that you want, the fights, so obviously I’ve got to go out there and win.
“It’s been almost three years of minimal fights due to injuries, so I’m super-excited and ready to really go out there and show my best form. I feel like I’ve had two comeback fights where I got to show what I’m all about — one went my way, one didn’t — and no matter who this fight is with, I need to get my hand raised.
“It’s a reward for me,” he added, “but it’s going to be an even bigger reward for everyone watching because this is going to be one for the fans, for sure.”
They always are.
Welcome to the mud.
Don’t miss any of these fighters on the rise this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Font vs Aldo, live from the UFC APEX on ESPN+. Prelims begin at 7pm ET/4pm PT. Main card begins at 10pm ET/7pm PT.