10 Lessons Learned From UFC 177

7. Renan Barao Needs To Move Up In Weight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmDHDWHuoeY If you're blacking out in the bath tub while cutting weight, we don't care how many times you've done it before - it's time to move up in weight. Frankly, fighters should be fighting at or close to their natural weight. Cutting five or ten pounds going into a fight is one thing, but when you're cutting twenty or more, you're putting your body at risk. That was the case with Renan Barao. "The Baron" has been at bantamweight for a long time and seemed reluctant to do anything more than make excuses for the mishap, claiming he just stood up too fast, but honestly, featherweight is an option - even with teammate Jose Aldo there. Aldo is probably due to drop the belt at some point, and even if he doesn't, a move up to lightweight has long been talked about, with a lucrative fight with Anthony Pettis and others waiting. If Aldo does move, it's almost a given that Barao will follow and try to take his spot at featherweight. That's probably the best move for both fighters and they'd be wise to pull the trigger in 2015.
 
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Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.