Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: After UFC 143, how many fights are Renan Barao and Dustin Poirier away from a title shot in their respective divisions?
Feb 12, 2012 - 9:30:59 PM ROUNDTABLE: After UFC 143, how many fights are Renan Barao and Dustin Poirier away from a title shot in their respective divisions?

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How many fights away from a title shot are Renan Barao and Dustin Poirier, respectively, after their UFC 143 wins?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST


Poirier's getting a title shot this summer or fall if he beats Chan Sung Jung in May. I mean, what else would he have to do? Barao's likely getting a shot with one more win. Because, who else is there? With Cruz defending the title in July, Barao can't just sit out until fall, nor should he, nor does he deserve a shot sans one more impressive victory. Beating the winner of April's Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald fight should be enough.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR



I'd say both guys are probably about two good wins away. The competition is so fierce in the lighter divisions that you can make a move quickly if things go your way. It'll be a hard road for them, but possible. Hopefully, the UFC moves them up in the ranks and puts them against good competition.


ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Renan Barao is 28-1-1. He should be fighting for the title in his next fight. He defeated Scott Jorgensen who is currently my #5 Bantamweight in the world. He is clearly ready and deserving of this title shot in my opinion.
Dustin Poirier is at least one fight away from a title shot. His name is not big enough to garner attention and make a sellable fight......yet. If he can win against a top fighter and the UFC can put some promotion behind him, he could conceivably get a title shot early next year.



GRIFFIN MARSH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR


I'd say two fights a piece. Provided they perform well and against top 7 competition in both wins. I'd love to see the UFC push these new guys towards the top. It would ensure future draws and more importantly, it provides us for some great fights!


JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Renan Barao is getting the next title shot without question, but no one knows who Dustin Poirier is and that's a shame. Jose Aldo really had a star making performance last month against Chad Mendes, but Aldo isn't a big enough star to carry someone with this little name recognition.

The featherweight division is a little more sorted out than it was a year ago when Poirier put himself on the map, so he needs to get a win over a few big names before the UFC audience really takes notice.