R. Barão (photo) believes he already deserves the bantamweight belt. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Dana White gave an ultimatum: The UFC's bantamweight division will only have two champions by the beginning of 2014. With the belt owner, Dominick Cruz, injured since 2011, the Brazilian Renan Barao has the interim title. But for the manager, the duel against Eddie Wineland, at 165, will be the last time the interim belt will be contested.
“I hope this interim belt is up for grabs for the last time. We hope that he (Dominick Cruz) come back early next year. If he cannot, then we will have to make a decision” stated the president in a telephone press conference.
Despite being considered interim, Barão reveals that he already feels like the true champion of the bantamweight division. “I think I am, yes, the fighter to beat in the division. Dominick Cruz He's been away for two years, and without disrespecting him, I consider myself the champion of the category. This will be the second time that I defend the belt on an interim basis, but I consider myself the linear champion. I’m definitely the guy to beat,” he added.
The fight between Renan Barao e Eddie Wineland it will be the second most important fight of UFC 165, an event that takes place on September 21, in Toronto, Canada. In the main attraction of the night, Jon Jones defends the light heavyweight title against Alexander Gustafson.
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