For the first time in his UFC career, which dates back to November 2011, Renan Barao will fight at featherweight. A change that was long coming since the former bantamweight champion has struggled with weight cutting in the past, to the point of passing out on the day of the weigh-ins for UFC 177.
As Barao himself told Globo Esporte, his body just could not take it anymore.
“The weight cutting was too wearing. I was not able to recover 100%. My body felt that a lot.”
As for taking on heavier opponents from here on out, Barao says it’s not something to be worried about, since he already trains with bigger and stronger men at his gym.
“We have athletes of all sizes here in the gym. I’m cool with that. I’ve been working hard and if God allows it, I will get there 100% and give my best.”
Renan Barao is scheduled to make his UFC featherweight debut when he takes on Jeremy Stephens in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 88, in Las Vegas, on May 29. Bantamweight prospects Thomas Almeida and Cody Garbrandt will headline the show.
About the author
