Renan Barao Hoping To Bring UFC Bantamweight Belt Back To Brazil

To win a world championship in mixed martial arts and go unbeaten in 35 fights for nine years like Renan Barao has, it takes more than talent and ability to focus on fight night. For the man challenging TJ Dillashaw for the UFC bantamweight title on Saturday in Chicago, perhaps the most important part of his success is being able to be a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts, to separate his work life and his personal life.

So while Rio de Janeiro is the place where he conducts his business, home will always be the place nearly 1300 miles away — Natal, Brazil.

“A lot of people like to come and enjoy (Rio), say it’s the wonderful city,” Barao said. “But to me, Rio is a place of work, a place of focus and objectives. To me, a place for fun, to go out, that’s Natal on vacation. But when I’m here I have to focus the best I can, because I’m working to give a better life for my family.”