Renan Barao is getting another chance to put his career back on track. And at bantamweight, no less.
The former UFC champion will once again attempt to hit the 135-pound mark when he fights Luke Sanders (12-3) at the UFC’s ESPN debut on Feb. 17 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, officials announced Friday.
Barao’s last outing, a split decision loss to Andre Ewell in September, was contested at a catchweight after Barao (34-7, 1 NC) came in over five pounds heavy. That was the Brazilian’s third straight loss and fifth in his last six outings, a rough stretch that includes his failed bid to regain the bantamweight championship from T.