Injured champ Renan Barao officially out of UFC 161 headliner (original) (raw)
UFC President Dana White today told MMAjunkie.com that doctors determined Barao (30-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) tore ligaments in his foot and won’t be cleared to defend his belt against challenger Eddie Wineland (20-8-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC).
UFC 161 takes place June 15 at MTS Centre in the Canadian city of Winnipeg. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Notable bouts such as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson are already booked for the card and could be promoted to the headlining slot. However, White said a Plan B for the event’s headliner hasn’t been decided.
MMAjunkie.com passed along news of Barao’s injury on Saturday. At the time, White said Barao “probably” would be forced out of the event but first needed to meet with doctors. The Brazilian was examined Monday, and the extent of the injury was deemed too substantial. A time table hasn’t been given for his return.
Barao looked to defend his interim title for a second time as champion Dominick Cruz recovers from a knee injury. Barao, who’s won 30 straight fights (and five straight in the UFC), defended his interim belt for the first in February with a submission win over Michael McDonald.
Wineland, a former WEC champion, recently fought his way back into title contention with back-to-back wins over veterans Scott Jorgensen and Brad Pickett.
For the latest on UFC 161, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.
(Pictured: Renan Barao)
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