UFC interim champ Renan Barao – Image by Anne-Marie Sorvin – US PRESSWIRE
With UFC bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz further sidelined with a second ACL surgery, UFC president Dana White is looking to book an interim title bout between title holder Renan Barão (29-1) and Michael ‘Mayday’ McDonald (19-1).
White made the announcement last night during Tuesday’ nights edition of “UFC Tonight.”
No date or venue was named for the bout but it is certain to come in early 2013.
Barão earned the interim strap last July by beating fan favorite Urijah Faber by decision at UFC 149 in an interim title match. The victory pushed Barão’s undefeated streak to thirty bouts. He has won four straight in the Octagon which includes victories against Scott Jorgensen, Brad Pickett and Cole Escovedo.
McDonald has won eight straight matches and is also 4-0 in the Octagon. His most recent fight took place in April at UFC 145 with a first round knockout of former WEC champ Miguel Torres. His other wins include victories against Alex Soto, Chris Cariaso, and Edwin Figueroa as well as a “Knockout of the Night” and a “Fight of the Night” bonus.