MMA - UFC - TUF LIVE

In his toughest test to date Brazilian bantamweight Renan Barao extended his winning streak to 18 with a unanimous decision win over Scott Jorgensen. Coming into the fight, Jorgensen was a top five bantamweight who had only lost to the champion Dominick Cruz in his last eight bouts. As part of the UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit main card the Nova Uniao member dismantled his opponent with crisp and accurate striking.

Barao holds one of the longest current winning streaks in MMA and aside from a no contest he is unbeaten in his last 29 fights. The lone blemish on the 25 year olds record is a split decision defeat in his pro debut nearly seven years ago.

Jorgensen proved to be worthy test for Barao, pushing him with takedown attempt and despite being beat up himself; Jorgensen also inflicted the most damage Barao had received inside the Octagon. Barao though stuffed all the takedowns Jorgensen attempted and consistently beat his opponent to the punch. Barao made a statement in this fight, not only to the rest of the top 135 pounders but to the UFC brass as well.

With the win over Jorgensen, Barao has put himself at the top of the bantamweight division right up there with the current UFC champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. Those two will coach the upcoming 15^th season of the Ultimate Fighter and face off for the third time at season’s conclusion. Barao should be next in line for the title but might not want to wait that long between fights, maybe a fight with either Miguel Torres or Brian Bowles on the same card as Cruz vs. Diaz.