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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
UFC Interim Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao continues to wait for the return of Dominick Cruz, and though the wait has been longer than he'd like to fight for the true UFC Bantamweight Championship, he's trying to remain positive while remaining patient.
"Since we're waiting all this time, I can wait a little longer till February when he gets back," Barao said in an interview with MMAjunkie.com. "Then I can legitimately get the belt."
"Of course I want to fight Dominick. I'm praying he gets better so the fight can actually happen. But if he doesn't, it'll be what the UFC decides. It's not up to me. I just want to bring the belt back to Brazil."
Additionally, Barao commented on what some have speculated could be a potential future at the featherweight division, saying that move probably won't come anytime soon.
"Andre [Pederneiras] is going to decide what's best for the team," Barao said. "I've still got a lot of time to stay in the weight class. But it's up to my coach."
Penick's Analysis: Barao won't move up until Jose Aldo does, as the two of them won't fight each other. But he's the best bantamweight in the world right now, and there's nothing wrong with him staying at 135 lbs. for the foreseeable future. The idea continues to be February for Cruz's return, and if he can't by then the UFC will make some other move, but that's what Barao is holding out hope for, just so he can get his shot at being the legitimate Champion.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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