• UFC 149

Cruz 'looking forward' to Barao title challenge

ESPN staff
July 23, 2012
Renan Barao showed plenty of imagination in his victory over Urijah Faber © Getty Images
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Dominick Cruz has welcomed the challenge of Renan Barao, after the Brazilian claimed the UFC interim bantamweight title on Saturday.

Barao turned on something of a striking clinic to claim a lop-sided decision against Urijah Faber, who struggled with his rival's range. The interim champ is now at the head of the queue to fight Cruz when the reigning 135lb king is back from injury.

Intriguingly, Barao's victory over Faber was far more emphatic than Cruz's past triumph over the California Kid. Cruz has also lost to Faber in the past, but Barao's exceptional performance does not scare him.

"I am looking forward to it. [Barao] is new blood," Cruz said. "He was composed and is ready for a five-round title fight with me."

Cruz is currently recovering from knee surgery and is unlikely to return to the Octagon this year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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