With Renan Barao as the new UFC interim champ, things just got a bit more confusing in the bantamweight division.
The 25-year-old Brazilian tasted UFC gold for the first time on Saturday night at UFC 149, where he routed former WEC champion Urijah Faber in a five-round decision.
What’s next for Barao?
The UFC hopes to put him against bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz to decide an undisputed champion.
Unfortunately, Cruz is recovering from a torn ACL, which could keep him out of action for well over a year.
With Cruz sidelined and Faber coming off a loss, there really isn’t a clear cut contender set to challenge Barao. A major opportunity is ripe for the taking.
Who will be branded as the next No. 1 contender?
Here are five opponents Barao could face next.