Barão will defend the interim bantamweight belt at UFC 161. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The Brazilian Renan Barao He already has a date and opponent set for his return to the octagon. The interim bantamweight champion will defend his reign against the American Eddie Wineland at UFC 161, an event that takes place on June 15, in Winnipeg, Canada. Initially, Ultimate planned to unify the category's belts, as the champion Dominick Cruz is in the final stages of recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in 2012. However, the organization changed plans and put the athlete from Rio Grande do Norte to defend the interim title for the second time in four months.
Barão, who has an MMA record of 30 wins and just one loss, won the interim belt when the champion Dominick Cruz was injured and was unable to defend his reign in the category against Urijah faber at UFC 149, in July 2012. The Brazilian was called up for the fight and an interim belt was put on the line. The Brazilian athlete dominated the duel and beat Faber. In February of this year, Renan put the interim title on the line and submitted Canadian Michael McDonald at UFC on FUEL 7.
In turn, Wineland, who has a professional record of 20 wins and eight losses, comes from two consecutive victories in the organization over Scott Jorgensen and Brad pickett.
In addition to defending the Renan Barao, UFC 161 brings another fight highly anticipated by Brazilian fans. In an expected rematch, Mauricio Shogun face Rogério Minotouro.
Check out the UFC 161 card so far below:
Renan Barao vs. Eddie Wineland;
Rashad evans vs. Dan Henderson;
Mauritius Shogun vs. Rogério Minotouro;
Jake Shields vs. Tyron woodley;
Stipe Miocic vs. Sounds Palelei.
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