Chris Barnett is an intriguing heavyweight prospect given his size, background, and natural abilities. Initially trained in the disciplines of tae kwon do and judo, Barnett eventually moved on to wrestling where he'd compete all the way through college. He enjoyed a solid high school wrestling career at Cedar Shoals High School where he would finish second in the state (Georgia) during his senior year. Barnett continued his career in the college ranks where he would wrestle for both Campbellsville University (NAIA), and the University of South Florida (NCWA). After enjoying a perfect 7-0 as an amateur, Barnett turned pro in early 2009 where he continued his success - securing wins over veterans Jonathan Ivey, Daniel Perez and ATT product Kenneth Garner. Barnett began his fighting career at a hefty 320 pounds, but in spite of that he's shown tremendous quickness for a man his size. He's an aggressive fighter whose mix of size, agility and power makes for a very intriguing prospect in the heavyweight division.

Barnett is deceptively quick and agile on his feet. His tae kwon do base does show in his striking, as he looks to throw lots of kicks on his feet. His kicking arsenal consists of spinning back kicks, front kicks, and jumping roundhouse kicks delivered with surprising speed and agility. Barnett displays the makeup of a slugger on his feet, as he's armed with good power and is willing to stand toe to toe with his opposition and let his hands go. He looks to deliver knees and flying knees from in close, and although the willingness he shows is encouraging, he will need to continue working on his technical striking game and defensive skills. He throws lots of arm punches, leaves himself open to counters and does tend to get wild and loopy with his punching, and will need to work on harnessing his aggressive nature and refining his technical game.

Barnett doesn't have exceptional wrestling credentials, but he does come from a wrestling background which he will use to try and secure top position on the ground. He works well from in close where he shows effective double and single legs, a nice ankle pick, and impressive high crotch takedowns and slams. Despite his size and appearance Barnett is an agile heavyweight who moves well on the top. He possesses aggressive, and at times wild ground and pound capabilities and shows good control from the top. He works his punches and elbows very well from half guard and side mount, and has proven capable of unleashing nice elbows to the body and big punches from the back. Barnett is still understandably raw given how early he is in his career, and he will need to continue putting work into his jiu jitsu and submission games. Barnett is not comfortable fighting off his back where he'll resort to trying to stand back up and power his way away from the bottom. Barnett will need to work on improving his positional and technical ground skills, and continue refining his guard and BJJ games.