6 Main Card Predictions For UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway

2. Renan Barao vs. Mitch Gagnon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK7c0ypfi4U Weight Class: Bantamweight The biggest mismatch in months sees number one ranked Renan Barao (32€“2 (1)), who has not fought since losing his bantamweight title, take on Mitch Gagnon (12-2), ranked 14th in the division. It is almost unthinkable that the UFC didn't give Barao a higher ranked opponent, especially after throwing him under the bus when he slipped and hurt himself during a weight cut, an injury that almost tanked UFC 177 (former Bellator champ Joe Soto wound up getting a title shot on about twenty-four hours of notice). Gagnon is really outmatched in all areas here - experience, striking, submissions, cardio. It won't be pretty, although if he somehow manages to beat Barao, there's be a new contender in the bantamweight division. Don't bank on it however. Barao was on one of the best streaks in professional MMA prior to T.J. Dillashaw shocking the world and upsetting him. With Dominick Cruz getting the next title shot now that he's successfully returned from injury, Barao will likely need this win and at least one other to get another crack at the belt - but this win should be well within his grasp. Barao by submission in the first two rounds.