Does Renan Barao Have What It Takes To Be A Champion?

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Posted By Brandon Barela

With Dominic Cruz sidelined with a torn ACL, Renan “Barao” Pegado has upgraded to UFC first class as he headlines UFC 149 with Urijah “The California Kid” Faber for the UFC interim bantamweight championship. In a match-up of old school vs. new school, Barao looks to spoil Faber’s advancement to a rubber match with Cruz. Bookmakers have Renan as a slight favorite but securing a victory over Faber will be a daunting task. Although eight years his senior, The California Kid still possesses uncanny athleticism and speed that would make Keanu Reeves jealous. Combined with extra power since dropping down a weight class, Urijah has the recipe to bully around any bantamweight as was evident in his dominant victory over Eddie Wineland. What Barao brings to the table though, is a 28-1 record with the sole blemish coming seven years ago in his first professional MMA fight. Along with the tutelage of featherweight king Jose Aldo, Renan has the blueprint to stifle Faber’s offense and keep the fight standing. Doing so will exaggerate the Brazilian’s strength as he does enough damage to earn a unanimous decision victory.