What do UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and interim 135-pound champ Renan Barao (pictured) now have in common? They are both injured.
Cruz has been out with various wounds since October 2011, hence the need for a manufactured bantamweight belt, but it was reported Saturday by Brazilian website Tatame that Barao has suffered a foot injury that will force him out of next month’s title defense against Eddie Wineland.
UFC officials have yet to confirm UFC 161‘s featured attraction is in jeopardy.
Barao successfully defended his title by submitting up-and-coming Michael McDonald in February at UFC on FUEL TV 7. The Brazilian captured the vacant interim crown the bout prior by beating Urijah Faber.
As the lineup currently stands, light heavyweights Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira serve as the co-main event.
MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Canada hosts the June 15 festivities.
Here is the show’s revised roster if this story holds true:
Preliminary Card:
Roland Delorme vs. Edwin FigueroaJohn Maguire vs. Mitch Clarke
Kenny Robertson vs. Sean Pierson
Dustin Pague vs. Yves Jabouin
Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac
Soa Palelei vs. Stipe Miocic
Sam Stout vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley
Main Card:
Eddie Wineland vs. TBD
Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton
Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan
Dan Henderson vs. Rashad Evans
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira