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Miguel Torres v McDonald winner could get Barao

ESPN staff
February 21, 2012
Renan Barao outclassed Scott Jorgensen last time out © Getty Images
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The winner of Miguel Torres' fight with Michael McDonald at UFC 145 could be propelled into a No. 1 contender bout in the bantamweight division, according to Renan Barao's coach.

Barao is comfortably the top contender for a shot at the 135lb champion, but Dominick Cruz is currently locked in a TUF series with Urijah Faber. Their fight will not take place until the summer, meaning Barao would have to wait until the end of the year for his next fight.

That makes no sense to coach Jair Lourenco, who is keen to see his man stay active. Barao dominated Scott Jorgensen in his last outing and has mounting momentum behind him.

Two options currently present themselves: Barao could possibly take on the powerful Ivan Menjivar, who recently took home Submission of the Night honours at UFC on Fuel, or the Brazilian could face the winner of Torres v McDonald.

"We're waiting for the definition", Lourenco said. "There's Ivan Menjivar, who's coming strong, and the fight between McDonald and that kid from Carlson [Gracie], Miguel Torres… We're waiting [the winner] to do a last fight [before the title shot].

"Sean Shelby told Dede (Andre Pederneiras, Nova Uniao leader) that it's not interesting for Barao to just sit and wait, so we're doing another fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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