#9
Renan Barão
Summary: Submissions, striking
Fighter Info
From: | Natal Brazil |
Height: | 5' 6" ( 167 cm ) |
Weight: | 135 lb ( 61 kg ) |
Since turning professional in 2005, Barão has competed for Shooto Brazil and other smaller organizations in his native country of Brazil. He is a teammate and training partner of former WEC Featherweight Champion and current UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo at Nova União.
In January 2010, Sherdog named him their top prospect in their list of "10 Brazilians to watch in 2010"
Barão was expected to make his North American, as well as WEC debut in a Bantamweight bout against Clint Godfrey on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49,[2] but Godfrey was forced from the card with an injury.[3] Barão instead faced fellow WEC newcomer Anthony Leone at an agreed 142lb catchweight.[4] Barão defeated Leone via submission (armbar) in the third round.
Barão defeated Chris Cariaso by rear naked choke in the first round on December 16, 2010 at WEC 53.
In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[6]
Barão was expected to make his UFC debut on May 28, 2011 against Demetrious Johnson at UFC 130,[7] but an undisclosed injury forced Brad Pickett out of his fight with Miguel Torres on the same card. Johnson has since moved up to fight Torres, while Barão will face Cole Escovedo.
