Renan Barão Photo: UFC
On Wednesday afternoon, April 10, a press conference promoted the start of ticket sales of UFC 161, which will be held on June 15, in Winnipeg, Canada.
With the presence of Renan Barão, current holder of the interim bantamweight title, and his opponent, Eddie Wineland, the UFC champ spoke about the event, the city selection and fights for this card. The Brazilian hasn’t escaped being asked about Dominick Cruz, but focused on his next opponent.
“I want the fight against Dominick Cruz to happen,” he said. “It will be a big challenge, but I’m focused on Wineland. UFC has done well choosing Eddie to challenge for this belt. He’s a tough guy, and now he is my goal.”
Showing how, as a great champion, he values Jiu-Jitsu within the Octagon, Barão said his day always starts with the gentle art.
“I wake up really early and start the training with Jiu-Jitsu,” he explained. “It’s something that I don’t give up. Then I go to boxing, Muay Thai, but the first preparation of my day is Jiu-Jitsu.”
Alexis Davis also attended the conference in Winnipeg. Her opponent, Rosi Sexton, couldn’t be present. This will be the first UFC women fight in Canada. The homegrown fighter was asked about the case of transsexual Fallon Fox, who was allowed to compete against women. Davis replied, but dodged.
“I must not talk about it,” she said. “I would face her. I train with men every day, but I can’t say when the body changes. It’s a difficult question to answer”.
Here’s the video of the press conference:
At UFC 161, Barão makes his second title defense and can become the category’s definitive champion if Cruz takes much longer to return to action.
Also scheduled for the event is a great rematch between former PRIDE fighters, Rogério Nogueira and Shogun Rua.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 12, through Ticketmaster.
See the card below:
UFC 161
Winnipeg, Canada
June 15, 2013
Renan Barão vs Eddie Wineland
Alexis Davis vs Rosi Sexton
Rashad Evans vs Dan Henderson
Rogério Minotouro vs Maurício Shogun
Jake Shields vs Tyron Woodley
Stipe Miocic vs Soa Palelei
Pat Barry vs Shawn Jordan
Sam Stout vs Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Sean Pierson vs TJ Waldburger
Ryan Jimmo vs Igor Pokrajac
Mitch Clarke vs John Maguire
Roland Delorme vs Edwin Figueroa
Dustin Pague vs Yves Jabouin