Former UFC Champion Renan Barao’s Road To Redemption Begins At Fight Night 58

By Rick LaFitte @RickLaFitte on October 16, 2014

 

This year has featured a massive reversal of fortune for former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao. The talented Brazilian, who not so long ago was regarded as one of the promotion’s top pound-for-pound fighters, now faces a long journey back to the top. His road to redemption begins in Brazil when he tangles with Mitch Gagnon in the co-main event of Fight Night 58 on Dec.20.

Barao drew the ire of the organization when he was forced out of his title rematch in August against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 177. “The Baron” was scratched from the event on the day of the weigh-ins after passing out and hitting his head while attempting a difficult weight cut. As a result, he missed out on a chance to get revenge by winning his belt back, and also lost out on a major payday.

An angry UFC President Dana White stated that Barao wouldn’t get a title shot in his Octagon return and he’s been true to his word on that front.

It’s been a rather stunning fall from grace for Barao, who had emerged as one of the UFC’s more dominant champions after successive finishes of Michael McDonald, Eddie Wineland and Urijah Faber. Barao had a remarkable 33-fight undefeated streak and was forging a reputation as a seemingly unbeatable force in the 135-pound division. Then, it all came crumbling down at UFC 173 in Las Vegas, when he was dominated and stopped by the massive underdog Dillashaw in the fifth round of their title clash. His stock plummeted further with the debacle in Sacramento.

The no. 15-ranked Gagnon is currently riding a four-fight win streak after his submission win over last-minute replacement Roman Salazar at Fight Night 54 in Halifax. He asked for a top-10 opponent in his next bout and has gotten his wish. Gagnon will now get a massive upgrade in competition and will test his skills against the division’s no. 1-ranked contender.

The 30-year-old Canadian has responded in a positive manner after being submitted in his Octagon debut by Bryan Caraway. Gagnon has registered 11 of his 12 career victories by way of submission. His grappling and wrestling skills will be put to the test against the dangerous former champ. We’ll find out in due time if Gagnon is able to hang tough with the best that the division has to offer.

It’s clear that Barao has some serious work to do in order to get out of the doghouse and back into the UFC’s good graces. It all begins with an assignment on his home turf in Sao Paulo against the surging Gagnon. After a very rough 2014, Barao is getting the chance to end the year on an upbeat note.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports