Bantamweight champion, Barão (photo) faces Dillashaw in May. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
| This coverage is sponsored by: |  |
UFC president Dana White has stated several times that he considers Renan Barao, current bantamweight champion, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. However, the Ultimate boss does not consider the Brazilian to still be a big star in the sport.
According to White, such consideration has nothing to do with Barão's ability inside the octagon, but rather in the scenario as a whole. “Who has lifted Barão’s ball more than me? Who has said more positive things about Barão than me? The guy has been winning fights for nine years and doesn't lose, he's on an incredible streak, he submits his opponents. He is an exciting and fun fighter to watch. [But] I don't think this kid is there yet. He’s the champion, but he’s not a big star yet,” said White, at a press conference in the lead-up to UFC 172.
White's comments came after the Brazilian expressed discomfort with some aspects of his current contract with the UFC. In an interview with the website “UOL”, Barão used his last fight as an example, when he defeated Urijah faber in February. His official purse was US$22 (with US$11 as a bonus for victory), while the North American pocketed US$100. “I know Faber is an older guy, but he's not even the champion, and he has a much better purse than me in the UFC,” commented Barão.
The UFC president gave his opinion on the matter. “Show me someone who is happy with their contract. I want to meet this guy. Even Manny Pacquiao wasn't happy with his money in negotiations for the fight with Floyd Mayweather, with the number hovering around $40 million,” he commented.
The next fight Renan Barao in the UFC is already scheduled. It will be at event number 173, in Las Vegas, when he will face the challenger TJ Dillashaw.
Comments