Jul 21, 2012; Calgary, AB, CANADA; Renan Barao celebrates defeating Urijah Faber (not pictured) in the interim bantamweight title bout of UFC 149 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE
You didn't know him before but you certainly know him now.
Renan Barao spent seven years amassing a 28-1 record (with one no contest) and it took him that long to break into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and earn a title shot against Urijah Faber.
Even then, it was an interim belt thanks to an injury to Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz.
Still, imagine the many days upon days spent inside his gym, honing his skills alongside his crew of teammates. It was the blood, sweat, and tears he spilled there that helped earn him the opportunity to win a belt in the first place.
So it's only fitting that he received a hero's welcome when he took that belt back with him to Nova Uniao in Brazil. Check out the emotional scene after the jump.
There are 39 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.