UFC on Fuel TV 7: Barao vs. McDonald Staff Predictions

Anton Gurevich: I’ve always claimed Renan Barao is one of the top Bantamweights on the planet. However, with Michael McDonald, I think he has finally met his match. McDonald is one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC, with top-notch boxing and fantastic overall game, which makes him a serious threat to Barao. If McDonald manages to fight on the distance, picks his strikes and finds the right opening, he’ll get that “W”. I believe he’s the man to end Renan Barao’s incredible win streak. Michael McDonald via TKO in Round 3.

Bryan Fontez: Michael McDonald is a great fighter who’s youth is a direct correlation of his potential. The kid will get better and may very well become the best. But at the same time, he hasn’t quite been proven just yet. Barão will provide that test. In fact with an as of yet unbeaten record I expect Barão to get the win and successfully defend his interim title with a unanimous decision.

Mike Drahota: Renan Barao versus Michael McDonald presents an interesting matchup in that it features two heavy-hitting Bantamweights, arguably the top two in the division. Barao took the Interim belt from Urijah Faber in a pretty clear-cut decision this summer, although I wasn’t that impressed with his performance. He is a beast, and I know he’s on a huge winning streak. I’m just not sure all those wins were against quality opposition. McDonald, on the other hand, has been a different kind of surge, blasting his way through the UFC at an uncanny pace for someone his age. I think he has so much focus and talent here that he brings home the belt with an upset. From what I’ve seen, he is a cold, calm, calculated destroyer at 135 lbs. Michael McDonald via R2 TKO is my pick.