Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw first-ever digital staredown pic for UFC 173 plus Jake Ellenberger vs Robbie Lawler

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is in the midst of a public relations tour to promote UFC 173, which takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 24, 2014.

And it's already making history in the worst way possible.

Renan Barao will defend his Bantamweight strap against T.J. Dillashaw in a five-round pay-per-view (PPV) main event, fresh off a controversial win over Urijah Faber at UFC 169 that many observers had a problem with the first-round stoppage.

Unfortunately, it appears that "The Baron" was unable to join the UFC 173 cast earlier this afternoon on location to promote the 135-pound showdown against Faber's teammate, Dillashaw, who has the chance to avenge his mentor's loss in his first-ever title fight.

So UFC did the next worse thing, having Barao and Dillashaw -- who recently bested Mike Easton at UFC Fight Night 35 -- face off remotely.

Let's hope their upcoming scrap looks better than the awkward staredown both fighters had to endure:

Can you feel the HEAT?

In addition, after a major shakeup last night, UFC 173's co-main event (at least until further notice) will feature a 170-pound tilt made for the movies, as former UFC welterweight title challenger Robbie Lawler tries to get the ball rolling once more against Jake Ellenberger.

Their staredown pic looks a bit better, even though it resembles a film noir poster:

"Ruthless" will try and get back on the right track after losing a close decision to UFC Welterweight kingpin Johny Hendricks at UFC 171 almost one month ago (watch highlights here). "The Juggernaut" -- who lost to Rory MacDonald at UFC on FOX 8 this past summer -- would like nothing more than to topple the former No. 1 title challenger and get back in the win column. too.

To check out the latest UFC 173: "Barao vs. Dillashaw" fight card and rumors click here.