Renan Barao to take on Jeff Hougland at UFC 148 in Las Vegas this July

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Renan Barao's path to a title shot in the bantamweight division is being slowed down a bit, as the UFC announced on Monday that he'll take on Jeff Hougland at UFC 148 in Las Vegas this July.

Barao has won five straight fights under the Zuffa banner, including his most recent win over former title challenger Scott Jorgensen. However, this bout is more of a "keep busy" fight for the 25-year-old, who hasn't lost a fight since his MMA debut in 2005.

But don't tell that to Hougland, who will look to spoil the party for the Brazilian and declare himself the next big prospect at 135 lbs. The ten year veteran had a rocky start to his MMA career, but after a 1-4 start, Hougland has won nine straight fights, including a win in his UFC debut last July over Donny Walker.

UFC 148 takes place on July 7 from Las Vegas, and is expected to be headlined by the Bantamweight Championship bout between "TUF: Live" coaches Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber.

Penick's Analysis: Barao is keeping himself busy, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a dangerous fight for him to take. If he can keep himself on track with another impressive win, he'll remain in the conversation at the top of the division. However, should he lose, he'll drop down considerably. This is a big opportunity for Hougland, though, and should he pull off the upset it will be a major moment for him.

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