Renan Barao To Defend Interim Title Against McDonald Early Next Year

Michael McDonald (James Law/HeavyMMA)

Barao defends interim title in 2013 against McDonald

UFC interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao will defend his belt against Michael McDonald early next year.

UFC president Dana White confirmed the news on "UFC Tonight."

The news comes shortly after Dominick Cruz revealed he would be out well into 2013 due to a second ACL surgery.

White did not announce an event for the bout, nor did he reveal a date.

Barao earned the interim title at UFC 149, defeating Urijah Faber via unanimous decision in the main event. At 29-1 overall, Barao has dominated since joining the UFC roster, earning four wins in four appearances.

Initially, the Brazilian hoped to wait for Cruz' return, forgoing an interim title defense. But with the champion's injury woes, Barao warmed to the idea.

Meanwhlie, McDonald is 15-1 overall and has impressed since joining the Zuffa roster in November of 2010 at WEC 52. Following a victory in that fight, he moved on to the UFC where he has since won all four of his fights, including knockout victories over Alex Soto and Miguel Torres.

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