Renan Barao talked for the first time about the joke supposedly made by Team Alpha Male, of his name being registered in a Muay Thai class of Duane “Bang” Ludwig. According to the interview by the former UFC Bantamweight champion this Wednesday at a UFC media day in Rio de Janeiro, the controversial Instagram photo motivates him to work harder for his rematch against TJ Dillashaw, scheduled to UFC 177, on August 30.
“It pushes me to train more. I’m a completely professional guy. I’ve fought twice the boss of Team Alpha Male (Urijah Faber), I won twice and didn’t make any joke about it. But people think differently. I’m training, a hundred per cent focused and I hope to get back what it’s mine soon. Things will end differently this time”
Although Faber said that he would be interested in a third bout with Barao, the 27-year old Brazilian don’t have the same desire.
“I have nothing against Faber. If he had the belt, I would face him, but he doesn’t have, so I have no interest in this bout.”
After five rounds of an one-sided title bout in favor of Dillashaw, the challenger finished Barao in the fifth round and won by TKO at UFC 173, on May 24, becoming the UFC Bantamweight champion. TJ guaranteed that nobody from Team Alpha Male took and published the picture mentioned by Barao, which was deleted right after.