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17th March 2016
07:42pm GMT
Barao will be making his featherweight debut on May 29 against knockout artist Jeremy Stephens, according to Combate.
Former bantamweight king Barao (33-3-1) decided to go up a division after losing to T.J. Dillashaw for a second time last July. It is expected that this will be a permanent move for Barao as he has had weight cutting issues in the past, and even pulled out the day before his scheduled rematch against Dillashaw at UFC 177 due to complications with the cut.
Stephens (24-12) is a dangerous striker who's had a mixed experience at 145. After dropping down from lightweight, he scored three impressive victories on the bounce against Darren Elkins, Rony Jason and Darren Elkins, but he has gone 3-1 in his last four.
"Lil' Heathen" lost unanimous decisions to Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira and Cub Swanson, with a highlight reel flying knee knockout victory over Dennis Bermudez sandwiched in between those losses.
No location has been confirmed for the fight, but Combate are reporting that it is a Fight Night card and will take place on May 29. Stephens has since all but confirmed that the match-up has been made on Twitter.
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