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Renan Barao on future: ‘There’s no point in being close to the bantamweight title if I’m not at my best’

Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao had a tough time making 135 pounds for his most recent fights, so he’s moving up to 145 pounds for his return to the Octagon on May 29, when he faces Jeremy Stephens at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

"He’s a tough opponent, a top 10 featherweight, but I’m a UFC fighter and I will be ready to fight and do my best against anyone they put in front of me," Barao told MMAFighting.com. "Let’s do a great fight. I hope it’s a great show for the fans, an exciting fight for everyone.