Renan Barao blasts through Urijah Faber
— -- NEWARK -- Renan Barao defended his UFC bantamweight title for the first time on Saturday, knocking out Urijah Faber just 3:42 into the first round of the UFC 169 main event at Prudential Center.
The finish started when Barao (32-1) dropped Faber (30-6) with a straight right hand. Faber worked back to his feet, but was staggered again moments later by a left hook.
The end of the fight is sure to come under some scrutiny, as Faber (30-7) popped up immediately after referee Herb Dean signaled a TKO end to the title fight.
He even said afterward he gave Dean a "thumbs up" right before it was called.
"It's very frustrating," Faber said. "I'm one of the most durable guys in the world. You get caught with punches man. He told me to do something so I gave him a thumbs up. Herb is a great referee but I wish I had more of a chance."
This is the second time Barao has defeated Faber. He outpointed him in a unanimous decision at UFC 149 in July 2012.
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