Now at featherweight, Barão does not rule out a duel against Aldo: 'The future will tell'

Barão (photo) reached the category of his friend J. Aldo. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

The topic “fighting a teammate” is always controversial in MMA and divides opinions among fighters – who, for the most part, are against duels between training partners. About to debut in the featherweight division, the former bantamweight champion Renan Barao did not shy away from the controversy and surprised by saying that a duel against his friend and teammate José Aldo, former holder of the 66 kg division title, is not out of the plans.

See too

Saffiedine is injured and is cut from UFC Vegas a week before the event

Before saying goodbye to MMA, Tito Ortiz wants 'clash of legends' against Royce Gracie

Thiago Pitbull makes his lightweight debut against Al Iaquinta in August

“The future will tell. I'm going to talk to the team, because I'm not the only one who defines this. It would have to be resolved with everyone together. But I don’t even think about that now”, said the fighter, who faces Jeremy Stephens next Sunday (29) at UFC Fight Night Vegas, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.

Furthermore, Barão also analyzed the duel against Stephens, which takes place in the co-main fight of the event in Las Vegas. “He is very strong and has dangerous hands. His right hand, in particular, is very hard. I believe he wants to keep the fight going. He should be careful not to get knocked out”, assured Barão, to the North American website “MMA Junkie”.

Both Barão and Aldo have appointments scheduled for the next few days. While Renan steps up to the octagon on Sunday (29) to face Jeremy Stephens at UFC Vegas, Aldo will face Frankie Edgar in the fight for the interim belt in the featherweight category on July 9th, at the historic UFC 200.