UFC 138 Results: Is Renan Barao Ready for the Top Bantamweights?

Renan Barao showed UFC fans a lot of things on Saturday during UFC 138.

Barao defeated the hometown hero, Brad Pickett, in convincing fashion. Barao was able to avoid Pickett's "one punch" and knocked him down before finishing Pickett on the ground.

The most astonishing moment of the fight has to be when Pickett was knocked down and Barao latched onto him like some kind of spider monkey. Barao worked his way into a rear naked choke and eventually forced the tap out.

After his dominating win at UFC 138 and his unanimous decision win against Cole Escovedo at UFC 130, most fans are left wondering if Barao is ready for the upper level bantamweights.

As of now, I'd be inclined to say yes; not necessarily because he's earned it by beating top level competition, but because of the lack of depth in the division.

Other than Miguel Torres, Dominick Cruz has few challengers that aren't rematches at 135. His next defense is likely to be against the winner of Brian Bowles and Urijah Faber.

A match-up against Scott Jorgenson would not only provide fans with an exciting fight, but also solidify either man's position at the top of the 135 ladder.

Barao could find himself in the title picture if he fights and beats someone of Jorgenson's caliber.

He showed he can be an exciting fighter and has a 27-fight win streak. Barao is also a Nova Uniao product, the same gym that produced reigning 145-pound king, Jose Aldo.

Luckily for Barao, the bantamweight division lacks depth and is wide open for a challenger to make a huge leap into title contention. Most fighters take years to achieve a title shot; Barao could be less than a year away from his.