Renan Barão, once hailed as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, boasts a career defined by an incredible 33-fight unbeaten streak and a dominant reign as the UFC Bantamweight Champion.
While his later years in the octagon were turbulent, his legacy in MMA history remains significant. In 2026, fans still remember “The Baron” for his technical brilliance and ferocity.
In this article, you will know Renan Barão’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and more.
Renan Barão’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Renan do Nascimento Mota Pegado |
| Nickname | The Baron (Barão) |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1987 |
| Age | 39 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $3 Million |
| Career Earnings | Over $2 Million (Estimated from disclosed purses) |
| Wife | Juliana Souza |
| Instagram Profile | @renanbaraoufc |
| Twitter Profile | @RenanBaraoUFC |
Early Career
Renan Barão was born in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Growing up in a humble background, he found his calling in martial arts early.
He began training at the famous Kimura Nova União, a gym renowned for producing elite fighters. His journey wasn’t easy; he started his professional career in 2005 at the young age of 18.
His debut didn’t go as planned, losing a decision, but that loss sparked one of the most legendary runs in MMA history. Barão went on an absolute tear across Brazil’s regional circuit, racking up wins in promotions like Shooto Brazil.
He developed a well-rounded game under the tutelage of André Pederneiras, earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2011.
By the time he signed with the WEC (which later merged with the UFC), he hadn’t tasted defeat in nearly 30 fights, establishing himself as a terrifying prospect for anyone in the bantamweight division.
Professional Career
Renan Barão’s UFC career reached its zenith between 2012 and 2014. He captured the Interim Bantamweight Championship by defeating Urijah Faber at UFC 149 and was later promoted to undisputed champion.
He defended his belt impressively, including a spectacular spinning back kick knockout of Eddie Wineland and a first-round stoppage of Faber in their rematch. At his peak, UFC President Dana White frequently called him the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
However, his reign came to a shocking end at UFC 173 when T.J. Dillashaw dominated him in one of the sport’s biggest upsets. Barão struggled to regain his form afterward, facing weight-cutting issues and losses to top contenders.
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Despite a rough slide in his later UFC years and a release from the promotion, he continued to compete in other organizations.
In late 2024, he signed with the Global Fight League (GFL) and was scheduled for a trilogy bout with Urijah Faber in 2025, though the event faced cancellations.
His career stands as a tale of two halves: a historic unbeaten streak followed by a challenging decline, yet his championship accomplishments ensure his place in the history books.
Wife
Renan Barão is married to Juliana Souza. The couple has been together for many years, supporting each other through the highs of his championship reign and the lows of his career slump.
Juliana has been a constant presence in his life, often seen with him during his training camps in Brazil.
Together, they have a son named Renan Filho (often referred to affectionately on his social media). Barão is known as a family man who credits his success to the desire to provide a better life for them.
In interviews, he has often spoken about how financial stability for his family was his primary motivation during his fighting prime.
Renan Barão’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Renan Barão’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Estimated Payout (Disclosed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 169 | Urijah Faber 2 | Win | ~$220,000+ (Includes win bonus) |
| UFC 173 | T.J. Dillashaw | Loss | $74,000 + $50,000 (FOTN Bonus) |
| UFC 149 | Urijah Faber | Win | ~$44,000+ (Interim Title Win) |
| UFC on FOX 28 | Brian Kelleher | Loss | $53,000 |
| UFC on ESPN 1 | Luke Sanders | Loss | $53,000 (Fined 20% for weight miss) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings (Disclosed) |
|---|---|
| 2012 | ~$150,000+ |
| 2013 | ~$300,000+ |
| 2014 | ~$400,000+ (Peak Year) |
| 2015-2017 | ~$250,000 |
| 2018-2019 | ~$100,000 |
| Total | ~$2 Million+ (Excluding PPV points/sponsors) |
Endorsements
During his championship run, Renan Barão had sponsorship deals with major MMA brands like Venum and Hayabusa. He was also sponsored by Pretorian, a Brazilian combat sports brand.
While these deals were lucrative during his reign, his endorsement income decreased significantly after losing the title and leaving the UFC. In 2026, he relies more on seminars and local partnerships in Brazil.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record/Details |
|---|---|
| Pro Record | 34-10-0 (1 NC) |
| UFC Record | 9-8 |
| Championships | UFC Bantamweight Champion (3 Defenses) |
| Knockout Wins | 8 |
| Submission Wins | 15 |
| Longest Win Streak | 33 Fights (MMA History Record) |
| Fight Night Bonuses | 3x Fight of the Night, 2x Performance of the Night |
FAQs
1. What is Renan Barão’s net worth?
Renan Barão has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million in 2026. This wealth was largely built during his tenure as the UFC Bantamweight Champion.
2. Who is Renan Barão’s wife?
He is married to Juliana Souza. They have a son together and have been a couple since before he became a UFC champion.
3. What is Renan Barão’s longest winning streak?
Renan Barão holds one of the longest unbeaten streaks in MMA history, going 33 fights without a loss (32 wins, 1 no contest) over a span of nine years from 2005 to 2014.
4. Did Renan Barão fight T.J. Dillashaw?
Yes, he fought T.J. Dillashaw twice. He lost his title to Dillashaw at UFC 173 in a massive upset and then lost the rematch at UFC on FOX 16 via TKO.
5. Is Renan Barão still fighting?
Renan Barão signed with the Global Fight League (GFL). He was scheduled for a trilogy fight with Urijah Faber, showing he is still active in the sport despite his UFC exit.
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