A short while ago, it was announced the former bantamweight champion Renan Barao would be returning to the division to face Aljamain Sterling. There has been a change to those plans, though, as the California State Athletic Commission have refused to let Barao fight at 135lbs, and have moved the bout to a 140lb catchweight.
FloCombat first revealed the news.
Barao holds a record of 34-4, 1NC. Since making the move up to featherweight, the Brazilian has won one and lost one. His 145lbs debut was unsuccessful as he dropped a close decision to Jeremy Stephens, but in his most recent outing, “The Baron” defeated Phillipe Nover.
Sterling (13-2) snapped a two fight losing streak in his last fight. Prior to his fight against Bryan Caraway, the Serra-Longo fighter was undefeated. “Funk Master” lost that fight by split decision before dropping another split decision, this time to Raphael Assuncao at UFC Denver.