Renan Barao's Featherweight debut didn't go as planned.
And it's all thanks to Jeremy Stephens, as "Lil' Heathen" outclassed the former Bantamweight champion on the feet during their 145-pound scrap at UFC Fight Night 88 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Barao started off well, showing crisp and technical striking, Jeremy, though, got the best in the power department, and came close to finishing the former champion on a couple of occasions. Barao, though, stood his ground and ate some of Stephens' best stuff.
It wasn't enough, as the ringside judges awarded "Lil Heathen" the unanimous decision victory. The loss is the third in Barao's last four outings. A tough stretch for a man once dubbed the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
As for Stephens, the win was a much-needed one, putting him back in the win column after coming up short against Max Holloway in his previous bout.
For play-by-play coverage and full results of the Fox Sports 1-televised UFC Fight Night 88 event click here.
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