R. Barão could become bantamweight champion if D. Cruz doesn't return. Photo: Josh Hedge/UFC
The days of Dominick Cruz as champion of the bantamweight category may be ending, which would automatically promote the Brazilian Renan Barao the condition. UFC president Dana White in an interview with the website MMA Junkie, revealed that he has a meeting with Cruz in the next few days to talk about the athlete's future and did not rule out stripping the North American of his title due to his long period of inactivity.
“He’s our champion, he’s our guy, and he needs time. But we’re getting to the point now where we really need to make a decision,” White said.
Dominck Cruz has been out of action since 2011, when he last defended his bantamweight belt against the current champion of the flyweight division. Demetrious Johnson. Since then, he has remained away from the Octagon due to successive injuries – a hand operation and torn knee ligaments.
With the cancellation of the clash between Cruz and Urijah faber, which would take place in July last year, the UFC then decided to put the category belt at stake, on an interim basis, between Faber and the Brazilian Renan Barao. Barão won the dispute, has already defended the interim title once and has a new defense scheduled, against Eddie Wineland, in the month of June.
A hypothetical dismissal of the Dominick Cruz It would obviously benefit the Brazilian – if he successfully defends the interim title in his next match. Despite expectations, Dana White assured that the final decision will only be made after meetings between the organization and Cruz himself.
“This is something that needs to be discussed with him, and even if I had a decision about him, I wouldn't say it here. He deserves the respect to come to Vegas, sit down and talk about it”, concluded the manager.
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