Fighters and Industry Insiders React to Renan Barao Dropping Out of UFC 177 Via Twitter

Following the news that former bantamweight champion Renan Barao was forced to withdraw from the UFC 177 main event for “health and safety reasons,” fighters took to Twitter to react to the development.

BREAKING NEWS: #RenanBarao Out of #UFC177, UFC Newcomer Steps into Title Fight http://t.co/x93OsOK70c @JoeSoto135 @TJDillashaw #BaraoOut

— MMAWeekly.com (@MMAWeeklycom) August 29, 2014

Holy shit… This card is cursed

— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) August 29, 2014

Dammit! Was looking forward to see artist @TJDillashaw defend his belt against former champ @RenanBaraoUFC @UFC

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 29, 2014

I’m on a good run, might as well drop down to 135lbs hahahaha! @TJDillashaw are u ready!

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 29, 2014

All of them fallin, for the love of ballin

— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) August 29, 2014

Much respect and best regards to Barão BUT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY TITLE SHOT @ufc 177 I was ready in shape, healthy & 6 fight win streak.

— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) August 29, 2014

Holy Shit can’t believe that barao is out of the fight with T.J was really looking forward to that fight

— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) August 29, 2014

Man if I was in Sacramento I would fight anyone at any weight to help the show out and plus I would get to throw down lol win/win @ufc

— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) August 29, 2014

@danawhite @lorenzofertitta well if you guys are just giving out free title shots to anyone I’ll take one

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 29, 2014

Making weight isnt a ‘week of’ thing. It’s a lifestyle. You’re a GD professional. Act like it. #EveryoneWhoMissesWeight

— Charlie Brenneman (@SpaniardMMA) August 29, 2014

Stay strong Barao….Estamos contigo @RenanBaraoUFC vc é nosso campeao… #forcabarao #respeito

— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) August 29, 2014

You’re all freaking out and I’m honestly just hoping Barao is ok. #MedicalProfessional

— Stipe Miocic (@smiocic) August 29, 2014

All I know is Joe Soto is living the dream right now. Make the most of the opportunities you are given.

— Stipe Miocic (@smiocic) August 29, 2014

WOW can’t believe the turn of events for UFC 177. Craziness!!!

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 29, 2014

@mmasarah …there must be a way to blame Greg Jackson for this…

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 29, 2014

WTF? MMA is the most unpredictable sport ever.

— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) August 29, 2014

We still have fights no matter who drops out. This is what we do. Time to knuckle up! #UFC177

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) August 29, 2014

Wow that sucks about renan if it’s true

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) August 29, 2014

If anything we are seeing the real danger and health risks for a large or bad cut

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) August 29, 2014

Holy crap! My teammate and good friend @JoeSoto135 is fighting for the @ufc belt! I’m telling you, he is an absolute beast. Win/lose/draw it

— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014

Is going to be one hell of a fight! If it goes to the ground, this could get very interesting!

— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014

Picture of @JoeSoto135 and @TJDillashaw at fighter check in this week. Little did they know! @ufc @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/d4TGz6Zar1

— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014