Happy in the new phase of his career, Renan Barão does not rule out returning to the UFC in the future: 'It could happen'

Considered one of the main names in the history of Brazilian MMA, Renan Barao There's a lot to celebrate. Released by the UFC at the end of last year after a sequence of five defeats, the native of Rio Grande do Norte has a new home. Hired by Taura MMA, the fighter is nothing but joy, but admits that he has not closed the door on a return to Ultimate in the future. In an exclusive interview with the YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, the former bantamweight champion spoke about the next steps in his career.

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“It could happen (return to Ultimate). We can go back, yes, without a doubt, but the objective now is Taura. My goal is November 21st, the next fight. My thoughts are on Taura and the fights I'm going to have there”, said the Brazilian.

Barão debuted in the UFC in November 2011. For the organization, it took four fights for the potiguar to hold the interim bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg), being promoted to straight after three defenses, due to repeated injuries to the former leader, Dominick Cruz.

Rise and decline in the UFC

Considered, at the time, as the best pound for pound in the company by the company's president, Dana White, Barão saw his reign crumble after his defeat to TJ Dillashaw, in 2014, which cost him the number one spot. After the setback, Renan defeated Mitch Gagnon and returned to compete for the title against the North American, but was defeated again.

After that, the Brazilian's Ultimate career was never the same. There have been six setbacks in the last seven fights. Analyzing recent retrospect, the native of Rio Grande do Norte explained why he was unable to perform like he did in the times when he caught the eyes of sports fans.

“A big problem was this 'stop' of me not being happy where I was. I didn't even think about the fight. I thought about ending the fight soon to return home, my city and close to my family. This was damaging not only personally, but at the time of the fight. You can be where you are, you have to be happy. If you are happy, no one can stop you. If I'm happy and trained, it's unlikely anyone will beat me. It was a little late, but it wasn't either. It was a learning experience”, he explained.

Preparation in Brazil

From his new home, Barão, in fact, made a drastic change for his future preparations. In his three commitments with Taura, Renan chose to officially leave the American Top Team (ATT), in the United States, and will now join the 'Pitbull Brothers', in Natal (RN), led by the brothers Patrício and Patricky, icons of the Bellator.

“It combined the useful with the pleasant. The 'Pitbull' team has a lot of human material, they are quite evolved. I'm really enjoying it and very happy for the opportunity to be here. (…) I'm staying here in Natal. I was very well received and I intend to stay there for a long time”, he confirmed.

At 33 years old, Barão now has 44 appearances as a professional in MMA. The Brazilian has 34 triumphs, nine setbacks and one match without result. The expectation is that his debut at Taura will take place on November 21st.

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