Chris Barnett


Christopher James Barnett is an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Barnett was born in Zaragoza, Spain, where his father was stationed as a United States Air Force captain. Around the age of four, the family returned to the United States and after bouncing around they settled in Georgia. Both of his parents are black belts in Taekwondo, and he started training the martial art around the age of five. Barnett went to Campbellsville University and University of South Florida and graduated with a bachelor's degree. At Campbellsville, Barnett competed in Wrestling on a scholarship and began training in Judo. Barnett received an invitation to try out mixed martial arts after showing his moves in a dance battle, and started training immediately.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Starting his professional career in 2009, Barnett fought primarily in Xtreme Fighting Championships and started 5–0 with four knockouts. He also fought in other notable Asian organizations, such as Rizin Fighting Federation, Road Fighting Championship, and Inoki Genome Federation.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

After 12 years, Barnett finally got a call from the UFC to replace Askar Mozharov on short notice against Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night 188 on May 22, 2021. He lost the bout by submission in the second round.
In September 2021, news surfaced that Barnett had tested positive for marijuana stemming from his UFC debut, and he was suspended for 4.5 months, becoming eligible to return on October 6, 2021.
In his next fight, Barnett fought Gian Villante in Villante's retirement fight at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021, in Madison Square Garden. He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round via spinning wheel kick and punches. The win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus award.
Barnett next faced promotional newcomer Martin Buday at UFC Fight Night 206 on April 16, 2022. Barnett lost the fight via technical unanimous decision after being rendered unable to continue due to an unintentional elbow to the back of the head in the third round.
Barnett most recently faced Jake Collier on September 10, 2022, at UFC 279. At the weigh-ins, Barnett weighed in at 267.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the non-title heavyweight limit. Barnett was fined 20% of his purse, which went to his opponent Collier. Barnett suffered a knockdown and heavy ground and pound in the first, however he rallied and won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Barnett was scheduled to face Chase Sherman on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. However, Barnett pulled out due to undisclosed reasons in early April and was replaced by Karl Williams.
Barnett was scheduled to face Mohammed Usman on March 23, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 53. However, Barnett withdrew for unknown reasons and was replaced by Mick Parkin.
Barnett was scheduled to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta on October 12, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244. However, Cortes-Acosta withdrew from the fight for unknown reasons and was replaced by Junior Tafa. Subsequently, Barnett withdrew after being unable to travel due to Hurricane Milton and was replaced by UFC newcomer Sean Sharaf.
Replacing an injured Justin Tafa, Barnett was scheduled to face Kennedy Nzechukwu on October 26, 2024 at UFC 308. Barnett lost the fight by technical knockout in the first round.
Barnett faced Hamdy Abdelwahab on October 25, 2025 at UFC 321. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
On November 10, 2025, it was reported that Barnett was removed from the UFC roster.

Karate Combat

Barnett officially signed with Karate Combat on November 26, 2025, with the promotion announcing that he would make his debut on December 5 at KC 58 against Johnathan “Big Baby” Miller in a heavyweight bout. The fight ended quickly, as Barnett secured a takedown within the opening minute, slamming Miller’s head into the ramp and earning a TKO victory in just 61 seconds.

Personal life

Barnett's wife died in May 2022 after a battle with encephalitis. Barnett and his late wife have a daughter and a son.

Championships and accomplishments

Karate Combat record

Submission grappling record

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
6Win2–4abbr|UD|Unanimous decision