UFC 130 Preview: The Prelims
Barao vs. Escovedo
Jason Probst May 24, 2011
Cole
Escovedo has faced his share of adversity. | Photo: J.
Sherwood/Sherdog.com
Bantamweights
Renan “Barao” vs. Cole Escovedo
The Matchup: Escovedo’s debut in the UFC is a feelgood story, especially for fans of the West Coast scene who have tracked his career. After a staph infection put his career on hold for nearly three years, he returned in 2009.
Barao is a product of the booming Brazilian MMA scene, where prospects with eye-popping records are more common than anywhere else in the world. With a 25-1 ledger and a 2-0 record in the WEC, he is quite talented and experienced -- a great combination when you are just 24.
With solid standup and a well-rounded submission game, Barao’s tough to beat if you are not an elite takedown artist with a stifling top game, and Escovedo is not. Instead, Escovedo will have to trade on the feet to Barao’s liking and may have trouble dictating where the fight takes place.
The Pick: Watch for Barao to mix strikes to soften up Escovedo before closing hard for a stoppage win in the second or third round.
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