McDonald (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

As expected would be the case, UFC President Dana White has announced that Renan “Barao” Pegado will defend his interim bantamweight title versus Michael McDonald next. The confirmation comes just days removed from the news that reigning champ Dominick Cruz has undergone another surgical procedure to repair his injured knee.

White relayed the news on the latest edition of “UFC Tonight” Tuesday.

The 25 year-old Barao (29-1) hasn’t competed since July when he outscored Urijah Faber for the unanimous decision win and the interim belt.

The 21 year-old McDonald (15-1) hasn’t competed since April when he knocked out former WEC champ Miguel Torres.

Barao initially announced he intended to wait for the return of Cruz, however, with the champion having undergone surgery again another interim title defense became a must.

Cruz could miss much of 2013 and likely will  not return to action until next fall.