Renan Barao talks training with Aldo, Faber vs Cruz and what’s next for him

Renan Barao is sharp for his return to the UFC, scheduled for February 4 (UFC 143), against the tough Scott Jorgensen. Before the bout, the athlete talked to TATAME TV and claimed to be ready for any game plan his opponent might bring up, but affirmed he does not think about a possible chance at the title against the winner between Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber.

What are the expectations for the fight?

The expectations are always the best possible. I’m well prepared, thank God. I trained hard with my team and that’s it.

What do you focus on when training for this fight?

Every time I prepare myself I focus on my Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, conditioning, so that I can be prepared for any situation and be able to turn it around and show my work.

You helped Jose Aldo with his camp and it sure helped you for your fight. How was it?

It was great, I came here in the end. I helped him and he’s helped me out too, I was already ready to go and came here to finish my training. There’re athletes here in all modalities and, God bless me, I’ll be good to go.

What dangers do you think your opponent can bring you?

He’s a tough guy, experienced, he’s fought for the title, he’s excellent. But I’m here to fight the bests and that’s it.

There are people who think you deserved a title shot. Now, if you win this one, do you think you can get this chance?

I praise to God. That’s the goal: try to get to the title and try to win the belt. I’m feeling good about it and I’ll fight one, twice if I have to and what I really want is to get more and more prepared, stronger and stronger.

Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz are fighting for the title. What are your thoughts?

It’s a tough fight, as usual. They’ve fought against each other, I guess it’s gonna be a good fight and I can’t pick favorites, anyone can go down, it only takes one heavy hand, but I’m guessing it’ll be a great fight.

Tatame