Barão (photo) is the new UFC linear champion. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Dominick Cruz, who would defend the UFC bantamweight belt in February, at event number 169, suffered another injury and will not be physically fit to face Renan Barao. The North American, who hasn't fought since 2011 after a serious knee injury, this time injured his groin, and, needing an even longer recovery time, gave up his linear title in the category.
With that, the UFC named Barão, previously interim champion, as the new holder of the definitive belt in the category. The Brazilian will be kept on the UFC 169 card, when he will defend his title against an old rival, Urijah faber, whom he already defeated in 2012 for the interim belt.
After losing to Barão, Faber put together a four-fight winning streak in 2013, beating Ivan Menjivar, Scott Jorgensen, Iuri Marajó and, most recently, Michael McDonald. Barão, in turn, has already defended his interim belt twice, against the same McDonald and against Eddie Wineland.
UFC 169 will take place on February 1st, in New Jersey, United States. The night will feature another title fight, when José Aldo will face Ricardo Lamas for the featherweight title in the co-main event.
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