Barzola was born in Lima, Peru. He was graphic designer and studied architecture in college briefly prior to fighting professionally in MMA. Barzola was a wrestler and never thought he would become a professional fighter, due to money was scarced for MMA lessons, even though he enjoyed mixed martial arts since he was young, watching Cain Velasquez and Fedor Emelianenko on YouTube He transitioned from to mixed martial arts when he was 22 after he joined a MMA gym After six months of training, he announced that he would fight in UFC one day where he was laught at by his gym mates, and four years later he became the lightweight champion of UFC “".
Barzola began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2012. While on the regional circuit in South America, he competed primarily in his home country of Peru. He amassed a record of 10-2-1 prior joining UFC.
Barzola was selected as one of the cast members for , UFC The Ultimate FighterTV series, under Team Efrain Escudero in April 2015. In the elimination round, Barzola defeated the Chilean Jonathan Ortega by unanimous decision. Barzola next faced Paraguayan Cesar Arzamendia in the semifinals and won by submission in round one. He moved on to face Horacio Gultierrez on for the title belt.
Barzola made his promotional debut on November 21, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale. He faced Horacio Gutierrez in the finals for. He defeated Guiterrez via unanimous decision. He next faced Kyle Bochniak on August 2, 2016 at. He lost via split decision. He stated after the fight that he disagreed with the judges decision saying "It was a very bad decision because everyone saw that I won. I connected more, I was more active and pressed all the time. I will correct some errors without considering this duel as a defeat". His third fight in UFC was against Chris Avila on November 5, 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. He picked up a win via unanimous decision. On May 13, 2017, Barzola took up Gabriel Benítez at UFC 211. After three rounds, judges awarded the win to Barzola via unanimous decision with across the score board. Barzola faced Arnold Allen at UFC 220 on January 20, 2018. However, Allen was pulled from the fight on January 11 due to alleged visa issues which restricted his ability to travel, and he was replaced by Matt Bessette. Barzola won the fight by unanimous decision. Barzola faced Brandon Davis on May 19, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Barzola was expected to face Nad Narimani on November 17, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 140. However, on October 25, 2018, it was reported that Barzola pulled out of the fight due to arm injury. Barzola faced Kevin Aguilar on March 30, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 2. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Barzola faced Bobby Moffett on August 10, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14. He won the fight via split decision. Barzola faced Movsar Evloev on October 26, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 20. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Barzola faced Rani Yahya on March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170. After a back-and-forth three rounds, the judges declared the bout a majority draw decision.
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
* Lightweight Tournament Winner
Personal life
Barzola's moniker "El Fuerte" means "The Fort / The Strong" in English and he considers himself as "The Fort of El Agustino" - a humble person who fights for his dream. Barzola appeared in the Reebok "Be More Human" Latin America advertising campaign. His favorite fighter is Stipe Miočić. He is also a Christian, and nicknames himself "Guerrero de Cristo", as this nickname is also written on a Peruvian flag that is usually shown in the octagon.
