Renan Barao Moves Up To Featherweight To Face Jeremy Stephens

Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan “The Baron” Barao once was considered to be amongst the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

However, losing two out of his last three bouts to another former champion in TJ Dillashaw has left the Brazilian searching for answers.

It was recently rumored that Barao was considering testing the waters at 145-pounds, and according to a report from Combate, that move has now been confirmed.

Not only has he recently struggled, but he has always endured a difficult weight cut in order to get down to bantamweight, making a move up a logical one.

Apparently “The Baron” also has his next opponent set as well, as he’ll take on heavy handed Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens in the co-main event of a UFC Fight Night card on May 29, 2016.

The exact event and venue has yet to be determined.

Like Barao, Stephens has hit rough times recently as well, dropping three of his last four bouts including losses to Cub Swanson, Charles Oliveira, and most recently surging contender Max Holloway. “Lil’ Heathen” will look to get back to his winning ways in what will undoubtedly be a huge fight for him against a former champion.

What do you make of Barao’s move up in weight?

While it’s unclear whether or not this move will be permanent, it should be interesting to see how “The Baron” fairs at 145-pounds.