Renan Barao has a new home following his UFC release.
The former UFC bantamweight champion signed a fight deal with Brazilian MMA promotion Taura MMA. The news was reported on Monday by MMA Fighting, and the promotion later confirmed the signing in a press release.
A date, location and opponent are yet to be determined for Barao’s debut with Taura MMA.
Barao (34-9) was released from the UFC in December 2019 following a five-fight losing streak that extended from 2017 to 2019. The 33-year-old is currently 2-8 in his past 10 bouts. His most recent win was a unanimous decision victory over Phillipe Nover in 2016.
The Brazilian was considered by many to be the best bantamweight on the planet when he was at the height of his career. When Barao defended his 135-pound belt for the first time against Urijah Faber at UFC 169, Barao was unbeaten in 32 bouts – a run that spanned almost nine years.
Barao joins a list of former UFC fighters that have recently signed with Taura MMA that includes Antonio Silva, Rousimar Palhares, Guto Inocente, and Will Chope.
Taura MMA has hosted nine events thus far in its history and currently has cards scheduled on Oct. 23 and Oct. 30. The promotion launched in late 2017.
