Cruz

By FCF Staff

The UFC’s return to Newark, New Jersey on February 1st is setting up to be a big night, as the promotion has confirmed two title fights for the card. After a two plus year absence, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will return to action and will face interim champ Renan Barao. At featherweight, rugged contender Ricardo Lamas will take on champion Jose Aldo.

Cruz (19-1) will be fighting for the first time since October, 2011, when he defeated Demetrious Johnson by unanimous decision. The renowned, bantamweight champion has undergone two knee surgeries since then.

Barao (31-1) laid claim to the interim belt last July by defeating Urijah Faber via nanimous decision. Since then, the P4P contender has defended the belt versus Michael McDonald and Eddie Wineland.

Lamas (13-2) has become one of the division’s top contenders thanks to a four fight win streak, which includes wins over Cub Swanson and Erik Koch.

Aldo (23-1), meanwhile, is coming off a stoppage win over Chan Sung Jung at UFC 163 in August.

UFC 169 will be hosted by Newark’s Prudential Center and will also feature a heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Frank Mir.