By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

With Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz now sidelined with a torn ACL (sustained while filming this season’s Ultimate Fighter Live), the anticipated rubber match between Cruz and Urijah Faber now stands as little more than a question mark to (hopefully) be answered in the not-too distant future.

However, while Cruz will not be fit to defend his title at UFC 148 on July 7, Faber will indeed fight for a title, albeit an interim belt. An opponent has yet to be named, but White, who spoke on FUEL TV’s “UFC Tonight”, is on the hunt for a worthy challenger.

"I'm looking for the right opponent – the guy who deserves this shot at Urijah Faber," stated White.

Early rumors circulating point to a possible bout with Renan “Barao” Pegado, who at this point is scheduled to meet Ivan Menjivar on the same card. If the bout with Barao is indeed to be made, further adjustments will be required to ensure Menjivar still sees action at the event. Realistically however, Pegado looks to be the most worthy (he’s already picked up three consecutive victories for the promotion, toppling quality opposition in Scott Jorgensen, Brad Pickett and Cole Escovedo) bantamweight to challenge Urijah, outside of the rising Michael “Mayday” McDonald, who’s now picked up four straight victories for the promotion himself, including a brutal knockout over former WEC champion Miguel Torres.

Keep your eyes open, as Faber’s opponent will likely be announced in the near future. And, you can bet we’ll be reporting!

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