Former world bantamweight champion Renan Barao will make his first start since his May loss to T.J. Dillashaw when he returns to the Octagon in Sao Paulo, Brazil to face rising Canadian star Mitch Gagnon on December 20.
Unbeaten for nine years, the 27-year-old Barao dominated his opposition night in and night out before the upset loss of his title to Dillashaw earlier this year. Expected to face Dillashaw in an August rematch, Barao was pulled from the bout on weigh-in day after falling and hitting his head while trying to make weight. Now more determined than ever to regain his crown, Barao can get back in the title picture with a win over Ontario's Gagnon, who has won 10 of his last 11 bouts, including four straight in the Octagon.
