Jeremy Stephens (25-15) and Renan Barao (33-4, 1 NC) threw down at UFC Fight Night 88 on Sunday. "Wow" is the best word to describe that fight. That is what fisticuffs are all about.
The three rounds provided fans with quality action from both men, and made the judges earn their money with a close fight. All three scored the bout 29-28 for Stephens.
The big question entering the co-main event was how the size difference would effect Barao. His frame looks like a bantamweight, and standing next to Stephens confirmed how much bigger the featherweights will be against the former champion.
The size didn’t pose too much of a problem in the first five minutes. In fact, it was Barao’s speed advantage that came into play. Barao moved effectively, touched up Stephens and showed both orthodox and southpaw attacks. Barao won the first round by being the quicker fighter.
The tone of the fight changed in the second as Stephens’ size and power came into play. He caught Barao with several huge punches that rocked the former bantamweight kingpin. Barao ate the shots, but certainly felt the effects. Stephens came from different angles with big power punches. Barao survived and ended the round by scoring a takedown.
In between the second and third rounds, Stephens’ corner told him to throw combinations. Barao seemed to regain his composure and went back to what worked in the first round. He avoided the big sweeping counters from Stephens, but was still getting hit from time to time.
They smiled at each other with 2:30 remaining in the final round. Shortly after, Barao changed levels on a takedown attempt, and put Stephens on his butt. To the delight of the fans, Stephens worked his way back up with 90 seconds remaining in the fight. The two talented fighters scrapped their way to the bell in a fun, close encounter.
Barao answered the question of whether he could hang with the bigger and stronger featherweights. He took some bombs from one of the hardest hitters in the division. But he is still undersized and failed to win. Does he cut back down to 135 pounds or stay at 145?
If he stays at featherweight, he needs a rebound fight against someone lower on the totem pole. Makwan Amirkhani fits the bill, and would be a good chance for Barao to showcase his complete skill set.
Stephens re-enters the fray of the upper echelon at featherweight. Should Ricardo Lamas upend Max Holloway at UFC 199, Stephens vs. Lamas is the fight to make. A rematch with Holloway isn’t appealing at this juncture. Should the Hawaiian win at UFC 199, other options will need to be evaluated.
Big featherweight tilts are on the horizon in the coming months, and following his UFC Fight Night 88 showing, Stephens will be a very interested onlooker for those coming events. “Lil’ Heathen” is back in the mix.
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