As Dominick Cruz (19-1) remains out of action for over a year now, Dana White has been pushing the idea that Renan Barão (29-1-1 NC) should defend his interim bantamweight championship. White had mentioned earlier in the week that it may happen against Michael McDonald (15-1). While nothing has been made official, Barão has started training.

"I'm training hard here, doing fitness training and boxing," Barão told TATAME. "If I have to fight in January or February, I'll be ready to get out there and show my work in the best way possible."

Barão won the interim title over the summer at UFC 149 after it was revealed that Cruz was out indefinitely with an ACL injury.

McDonald is on an eight fight win streak with the last four being under the UFC umbrella. He won his last two fights via knockout in the first round. Barão is on a 29-fight win streak.

"I've seen some of his fights," said Barão. "He is a dangerous handheld guy. A tough guy, but that's it. I'm training with the best and I'm here to make a big fight."

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