As we continue to get to know this year’s Who’s #1 competitors we move to a match of clashing styles at 120.

As the saying goes, shooters shoot. But that doesn’t really apply here when talking about Eric Barnett. While he’s got no problem with being active, his leg attacks are a very rare sighting, or at least they were when we saw him in Fargo. Barnett’s defensive tactics could bode well for him in his matchup with two-time Cadet World Champ Kurt McHenry, who’s making his second appearance in the Snakepit at Who’s #1. 

#1 Kurt McHenry

• Two-time Cadet World Champ
• Beast of the East Champ
• National Prep Runner-up
• Michigan Commit

Last year he started WNO off with a bang with his last-second ankle pick to take out Malik Heinselman. He’s back again looking to remain flawless in the Snakepit. McHenry is slicker than an oil spill and with feet more active than Michael Jackson in the Thriller video. He’s won close matches like the one we saw him in last year and he’s dominated guys to the point that they just look silly trying to keep up with him. 

Watch McHenry send the crowd into a frenzy at last year's WNO:

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#2 Eric Barnett

• 2018 Fargo Freestyle Champ
• Wisconsin State Champ
• Folkstyle National Runner-up
• Wisconsin Commit

After watching him in Fargo, the word that comes to mind when it comes to Barnett is creative. Like I already said, he’s active on his feet, but not much of a shooter. Most of his scoring on the way to his Freestyle title came off his opponents' shots. But the bottom line is that he knows how to score and has a deadly defense. His ability to sit the corner, a la Sammy Sasso or Yianni D, makes him quite a force to deal with.

How do they match up?

It’s a clash of styles: McHenry’s creative and active attacks up against Bennett’s defense and ability to turn his opponent’s attacks into his own points. It’s going to test both of their strengths and reveal a new gear in both of them we have yet to see. McHenry is usually undersized in his matchups and the move up to 120 will be a great way for him to get ready for the next level where he will most likely spend years in the 125 spot.