Similar to Thiago Alves vs. Papy Abedi, which is another fight featured on UFC 138’s maincard, Brad Pickett vs. Renan Barao is a fight between and already established veteran against a new-comer who shows a lot of potential.
Pickett has long been considered one of the best bantamweights on the planet and holds wins over tough opponents such as Demetrious Johnson and Ivan Menjivar.
Barao has an impressive professional record of 26-1-0-1, but has not yet been tested against any top fighters in the 135lbs. weight class.
While Barao’s potential is undeniable, it is just that—potential.
Pickett is a proven top-level fighter.
When presented with the choice between a battle-tested veteran and a promising up-and-comer, the smart money usually bets on the veteran—and that’s what I’m going to do.
Look for this to be a close fight, transitioning frequenty from the ground to the feet, with a lot of scrambles.
As a skilled jiu-jitsu practitioner, Barao will want this fight on the mat.
Pickett is no slouch on the ground, but his biggest advantage will be standing, so that’s where he’ll look to keep it.
In the end, Pickett will do the better job of implementing his gameplan.
Neither fighter will be able to finish this fight, but Pickett will have success with his striking throughout the fight and do more in the eyes of the judges.
Final Prediction: Brad Pickett defeats Renan Barao by Unanimous Decision
Bleacher Report’s Andrew Barr