Renan Barao to defend interim title against Eddie Wineland at UFC 161

Renan Barao's pursuit of Dominick Cruz will have to wait.

With Cruz still sidelined by knee issues, Barao (30-1, 1 NC), the UFC interim bantamweight champion, will again defend his belt, this time against former WEC titleholder Eddie Wineland (20-8-1) in the main event of UFC 161.

ESPN.com first reported the bout, which was later confirmed by UFC President Dana White.

Barao, 26, seized the interim strap last year with a unanimous decision victory over Urijah Faber. The Brazilian then submitted Michael McDonald via fourth-round arm triangle choke in February to extend his remarkable unbeaten streak to 31 straight.

Wineland, 28, recently rebounded from the two-fight losing streak that kicked off his UFC career to collect consecutive victories, knocking out Scott Jorgensen and edging Brad Pickett via split decision.

UFC 161 takes place June 15, 2013 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In addition, the event is slated to feature a pair of high-profile light heavyweight bouts -- Dan Henderson vs. Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.