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Although UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao is among the worlds best mixed martial artists, hes still working on building a significant fan base in North America. His biggest fan in the world just might be UFC President Dana White, and thats just one reason Barao is the star of UFC 173. Barao (34-1) faces T.J. Dillashaw in the main event at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Saturday, headlining the UFCs traditional Memorial Day weekend card in its hometown. "I think (Barao) is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," White said. "I love this guy." Its tough to argue with White, given Baraos 22-fight winning streak and perfect record in UFC competition. The 135-pound Brazilian dynamo excels with both jiu-jitsu and strikes, fighting with a flair that has led to stoppages in six of his last nine fights. "I think I have a lot to improve in my game, but its always a pleasure to hear from your boss that you are the No. 1," Barao said. "This is the recognition of the hard work and training." Barao likely faces bigger obstacles than Dillashaw (10-2), a heavy underdog, on his path to stardom. Barao is a champion of a lighter weight class, which makes him traditionally less interesting to many fight fans. He also doesnt speak much English, making him tough to promote in North America. Even his Brazilian fans dont know much about his personality outside the cage -- although at least they know his last name isnt actually Barao, the Portuguese word for Baron and a nickname given to him by his grandmother. But with the UFC looking for new attractions in the absence of Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva, Barao is getting a chance to show off his incredible skills on another major stage, and White is confident fans will figure out what theyre seeing. "With Anderson, it took a long time for people to catch on," White said of his long-reigning former middleweight champion. "It doesnt happen overnight. When you look at the numbers, its all there. (Barao) is a killer. He tries to go in there and finish. Hes the type of guy I like to watch fight." Dillashaw worked his way into position for a title shot with five wins in six fights, but his matchup with Barao is the fourth fight that has been scheduled to headline this card. The Northern California native is eager to take advantage of the chance created when Raphael Assuncao, who beat Dillashaw by split decision last October, dropped out of this title shot with a rib injury. "Hes a great champion, but everyone has holes in their game," Dillashaw said. "Hes sloppy in exchanges, but he makes it work because hes a big, powerful athlete. I need to stay with what Im good at and use my angles to disrupt his power." Just in case Baraos fight against a game underdog doesnt intrigue enough pay-per-view buyers, UFC 173 also features light heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier against veteran Dan Henderson, along with a bout between welterweights Robbie Lawler and Jake Ellenberger. Cormier (14-0) is also a rising name in the UFC, but hes not a tough sell. The talkative former Olympic wrestler has been a dynamic fighter in Strikeforce and the UFC at heavyweight and light heavyweight, where hes currently closing in on a title shot against pound-for-pound contender Jon Jones. Henderson (30-11) is a significant underdog, but any fighter is just one punch away from disaster when hes in the cage with the 43-year-old veteran whose knockout power is no longer aided by testosterone replacement therapy. "(Hendersons) big right hand is the single biggest weapon in MMA, even more dangerous than Ronda Rouseys armbar," Cormier said. "It can come at any time from any direction. No question thats what makes this a dangerous fight. But Ive made a career of making those guys, who possess that something special, like they never had it. I need to stay super-focused and avoid those punches." Although Henderson has lost three of his last four fights, he knocked out Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in spectacular fashion just two months ago. "I want to knock everyone out that I fight," Henderson said. "Its not always the easiest thing to pull off, but Ive done pretty well with it throughout my career. And its definitely nice knowing you have that power going into a fight." Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jersey . -- Jake Peavy arrived at Bostons spring training complex on Monday with a large white bandage covering his left index finger, the result of a weekend accident. Kyle Kuzma Jersey . Lupul injured the hand in a fall at practice on Thursday. He will wear a cast for a minimum of 10 days before he can put a glove back on it and get some mobility back, said Carlyle, who added the winger wont go on the teams upcoming road trip. http://www.lakersteamofficial.com/Tyson-Chandler-Lakers-Jersey/ . - While he appreciates suggestions from Packers fans of remedies for his sore left calf, Aaron Rodgers is not necessarily going to listen to the advice. Derek Fisher Lakers Jersey . Los Angeles announced its new deal for Kupchak late in the fourth quarter of a 145-130 loss to the Houston Rockets. Kupchak had one year left on his current contract. LeBron James Jersey . Setting United on its way to a 2-0 victory, Rooney sent the ball high from inside the halfway line over goalkeeper Adrian after just seven minutes. "Its just instinct, Ive turned and had a quick look and seen the goalkeeper off his line," Rooney said.Kevin Pietersen branded Chis Gayle a freak show and voiced his concerns over Englands bowling after West Indies beat Eoin Morgans men by six wickets at the World T20. Gayle smashed 100 not out from 48 balls to become the first man to crack two World T20 tons, following his 117 against South Africa in the inaugural tournament in 2007.But does the Jamaicans form make West Indies genuine contenders for the 2016 trophy and what of England? KP, who watched the game in the Sky Sports studio, talks the universe boss, Englands issues and more… Sky Sports Nasser Hussain pays tribute to Chris Gayle after he smashed a century off just 47 balls. Chris Gayle and West Indies title chancesKP SAYS: He is a superstar, a freak show and was proud to get himself over the line and not leave it to anyone else. Thats what you want to do as a batter - you dont feel that satisfaction if you fall 10 runs short. He understood that he was just standing there and that it was the bowler was under pressure and thinking Where do I bowl to this bloke? Its a simple game-plan but it is so effective. Gayle cant do that in every game but you only need one or two players in form to score the bulk of your runs and then have other guys chipping in to go a long way in a tournament. Englands Joe Root told Rob Key that there were plenty of positives to take away from their six wicket defeat to West Indies.dddddddddddd Englands bowlingKP SAYS: The only thing England should be concerned about is their bowling. Why did Adil Rashid only bowl two overs, for example, and who is Englands other death bowler, besides Chris Jordan, who is brilliant at it. They havent played cricket in India, though, and only Eoin Morgan has played in the IPL. Thats a huge thing and it showed when Joe Root said 180 was a par score. It wasnt. Adil Rashid is a much-improved bowler, says KP Adil RashidKP SAYS: He now has the ability to bowl his googly and leg-spinner a little bit quicker. He was previously a bit one-paced with his leg-spinner and his googly wasnt as quick but now he varies his speeds and bowls both balls at the same pace, so you have less time to pick them as a batsman. Jason RoyKP SAYS: Jasons strength is also his weakness. He has the ability to crunch any ball anywhere from third man to fine leg but he tries to do it a bit too early, so I think he needs to play 10 balls and get himself in and then express himself. Running down the wicket and slogging is not his game, and for consistency at the top of the order and for England to keep selecting you, you have to get yourself in. Kevin Pietersen had some advice for Jason Roy ahead of Englands World T20 opener against West Indies. Also See: Gayle ton downs England WATCH: Gayle reacts to century WATCH: Root on Englands defeat Live cricket on Sky ' ' '