Cole Escovedo Steps in to Face Renan Barao at UFC 130

Posted by Matthew Wheeler (Staff Writer)

Apr 22

As reported earlier this week that Demetrious Johnson would step in for the injured Brad Pickett and fight Miguel Torres. Johnson’s original opponent, Renan Barao will remain on the card as the UFC announced today that Cole Escovedo will serve as a replacement for Johnson.

Escovedo (17-6) looks to be the submission target to Barao and is taking a big risk on his MMA comeback. Escovedo was once removed from MMA with a serious staph infection that was so bad it required surgery on his spine. Since his return he is 6-2, and really gaining steam in the bottom of the bantamweight division having fought men like Faber, Pulver, and Omigawa.

Barao (25-1, 1 NC) is a Nova Uniao Brazil standout fighter with 12 submissions and 6 TKO’s. He has been on the Mixed Martial Arts radar for quite some time and after fight exclusively in Brazil he debuted with the WEC last year. Having 27 professional fight and only one career loss in his first fight, Barao hasn’t tasted defeat in over six years.

The revamped fight will now showcase two UFC newcomers with plenty of experience in MMA looking to make a good impression as part of the UFC 130 preliminary card.