Stephens projects knockout over the 'mentally broken' Barão

J. Stephens (photo) catches Barão at featherweight. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Renan Barão moves up to featherweight and faces Jeremy Stephens

Jeremy Stephens is prepared to give a less than pleasant welcome to Renan Barao in the featherweight category, next Sunday (29), on the main card of UFC Fight Night Las Vegas. The North American questioned the Brazilian's ability to absorb blows, which, according to him, should be even more pronounced with the change of category.

Former UFC bantamweight champion, Barão suffered two knockout defeats to TJ Dillashaw in the category up to 61 kg. Now, the Brazilian is moving to 66 kg, immediately facing an athlete who has previously performed at lightweight (70 kg).

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Therefore, Stephens finds himself in an advantageous position for the duel. “A guy who doesn't hit hard has knocked him out twice in his last fights. You were knocked out twice by a small guy, and now you’ve moved up in weight against a bigger guy, who came from the lightweight category, and is a knockout artist”, he analyzed, in an interview with the “Sherdog” website.

However, Stephens believes that his advantage is not just limited to the physical aspect, especially after the recent defeats suffered by Barão. “Mentally, I think he’s broken,” he commented.

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Barão and Stephens have the second most important duel of the night. In the main fight, Thomas almeida e cody garbrandt they clash with undefeated fighters in the bantamweight category.