Dominick Cruz

By FCF Staff

Dominick Cruz’s long awaited return to the Octagon will not happen on February 1st as scheduled, as the UFC has announced that the renowned fighter has been forced to drop out of the event due to a groin injury. As a result, Cruz has vacated the bantamweight title and interim champ Renan Barao will face Urijah Faber to crown a new champion.

Cruz (19-1) has not fought since October, 2011, as a result of two knee surgeries. In his last bout he worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Demetrious Johnson.

Barao (31-1) and Faber fought at UFC 149 in July, 2012, and the latter lost by unanimous decision. Since the UD win, Barao has gone on to defeat Michael McDonald and Eddie Wineland.

Faber (30-6), on the other hand, has scored wins over Ivan Menjivar, Iuri Alcantara, Scott Jorgensen and McDonald since the defeat.

UFC 169 will be hosted by the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey and will also feature featherweight champion Jose Aldo taking on Ricardo Lamas.