The head operations at UFC Canada, Tom Wright, teased the media when he said a title fight would be headlining UFC 161 in Winnipeg. He wasn’t teasing at all, as Renan Barão and Eddie Wineland will square off for the interim UFC bantamweight title.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN initially dropped the news and UFC Canada’s Twitter feed confirmed it.
Barão (30-1) most recently showed off his skill at this past months UFC on FUEL TV card against Michael McDonald in London. Many believed that he was awaiting medical clearance following that fight.
The Brazilian native won the interim bantamweight title last July when he defeated Urijah Faber by unanimous decision at UFC 149 in Calgary.
Wineland (20-8-1) came over from the WEC and is currently riding a two fight winning streak. Most recently Wineland picked up a split decision over Brad Pickett at this past December’s UFC 155 event.
The bantamweight fighter has won has won six of his last eight fights and picked up two “Knockout of the Night” honors and a “Fight of the Night” for his battle with Scott Jorgensen at UFC on FX 3.
UFC 161 will be the organizations first trip to Winnipeg, Canada. It will take place at the MPS Centre and will also feature Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Dan Henderson vs. Rashad Evans and Soa Palelei vs. Stipe Miocic.
