Welcome back fans and friends; it’s now time for the eighth installment in my series “UFC 143 Complete Collection.”
As we move higher and higher up the pay-per-view card, of course the matches are getting bigger and bigger. Part eight of the complete collection focuses on two top lighter weight fighters battling it out for what might just be a shot at the UFC bantamweight championship. Let’s look at what should be an instant classic: Renan Barao vs. Scott Jorgensen.
Since he debuted in the WEC in 2010, Renan Barao has been making his case for a title shot in the best way possible: by going undefeated and running through everyone in his path.
In his four combined fights in the WEC and later the UFC, Barao has fought to a decision only once. His other three victories have all been by submission, with two first-round submissions. To date, Barao’s record stands at a very impressive 27-1, with one no contest.
Barao’s opponent, Scott Jorgensen, is widely regarded as one of the best bantamweights in the world. Jorgensen has won seven out of his last eight fights, with three finishes. The one man that beat Scott Jorgensen during this run was none other than Dominick Cruz, who defended his WEC bantamweight championship against Jorgensen in the final WEC event ever. The victory also won Cruz the inaugural UFC bantamweight championship.
All told, Jorgensen left the famed blue cage having competed 10 times in the WEC, going 7-3 with three stoppage wins and no stoppage losses. Inside the Octagon, Jorgensen is on a two-fight win-streak after KO’ing Ken Stone and then beating tough veteran Jeff Curran by unanimous decision.
This fight is definitely going to be a war, and I can definitely see it going all three rounds. Who wins it, though? Now there’s a tough question.
The two things you absolutely cannot question about Scott Jorgensen, the two things that I like the most about him as a fighter, are his will and heart.
Jorgensen won’t quit no matter what, and if you try to finish him you just light a fire under him and he’ll come out even more aggressive next round. Jorgensen can be beaten, but at this point in time, it’s pretty difficult to do that. Since 2009, Jorgensen has fully evolved into a top-division athlete and fully reached his potential.
Even with a record of 27-1-1, I just can’t shake the feeling that Barao hasn’t reached his full potential yet.
The 27-1 record of Barao is a lot more dominant and looks a lot more impressive than 13-4…on paper. But consider this: Scott Jorgensen has been competing in major promotions since his fifth fight as a professional mixed martial artist. Renan Barao, meanwhile, earned his impressive record in smaller promotions throughout Brazil.
If you doubt Scott Jorgensen in this fight, simply consider this: as spectacular as Barao’s record seems to be, he’s fought four times in major promotions and has beaten mid-division talent.
Scott Jorgensen has fought thirteen times in major promotions, fought some of the best competition the WEC had to offer at the time, and has even fought for the WEC bantamweight championship against Dominick Cruz.
Scott Jorgensen is no man’s stepping stone.
In the end, I think Jorgensen is going to remind us all of this fact at UFC 143.
Barao has all the potential in the world, but Jorgensen has the experience to put Barao’s hype aside and focus on dismantling him as the flesh-and-blood human that he is.
Barao won’t get exposed because he honestly is pretty awesome… but I’m definitely predicting that Barao will lose. Jorgensen is simply too experienced, too versatile, too motivated, and too good.
Oliver Saenz, also known as PdW2kX, is a freelance journalist, opinion columnist, hardcore MMA fan, and lifelong video game nerd. For more news, views, previews, and reviews on all things Mixed Martial Arts as well as video games, be sure to visit FightGamesBlog.net.
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