Partial Credit to Dana Becker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7RcjsV0_S0
Renan Barao, who has not lost since his pro debut, will defend his bantamweight title against TJ Dillashaw at UFC 173 on May 24. The event, which you can see a preview for in the video above, takes place from Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Barao (32-1) became the interim UFC bantamweight champion in 2012 when he defeated Urijah Faber. He defended that title with finishes vs. Michael McDonald and Eddie Wineland before becoming the undisputed champion when he bested Faber earlier this year. Barao was scheduled to meet Dominick Cruz, but Cruz went down with another injury.
Dillashaw (9-2) was selected as Barao’s opponent after Raphael Assuncao declined the fight due to injuries. Assuncao actually defeated Dillashaw via split decision last October in Brazil.
Other UFC 173 fights include Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier in a light heavyweight battle between former U.S. Olympic wrestlers, Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Ellenberger, Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera and Jamie Varner vs. James Krause.
– UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo will see a familiar face this August when he returns to the Octagon at UFC 176, as Aldo takes on Chad Mendes for the title. The Los Angeles Times first reported the bout, which was confirmed by UFC officials.
Aldo (24-1) defeated Mendes (16-1) via first round knockout back in 2012 in Brazil. Since that loss, Mendes has reeled off five straight victories, including four via finish. He also became the first fighter to stop Clay Guida when he did so last year.
Aldo hasn’t lost since a 2005 submission defeat in his eight career bout. He has topped the likes of former UFC champion Frankie Edgar, Kenny Florian, Ricardo Lamas and Chan Sung Jung.
– Miesha Tate believes she is the perfect opponent to welcome Gina Carano back to MMA and the UFC. Tate, appearing on a recent episode of “UFC Tonight,” is coming off a decision victory over Liz Carmouche. She had lost her first two Octagon bouts to Cat Zingano and bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
“I have a list – all of the girls at 135,” said Tate, of who she wants to fight. “I’d love a fight against Gina Carano. She’s coming back and I don’t think she should go straight for the title. I also have my eyes on Holly Holm and Sarah Kaufman.”
Carano, who left the sport years ago for a career in Hollywood, has struggled in the past to make 135 pounds. UFC president Dana White cited in a previous interview that Carano told him she could make the weight, but Tate has her doubts.
“That’s the question,” she said. “She’s a big girl and she has made 135 in the past. It’s been a long layoff. If she makes the return, she’s professional and I trust she’ll make the weight.”
