Barao takes unanimous decision

CALGARY, Alberta – Renan Barao won a unanimous decision against Urijah Faber at UFC 149 Saturday night for his 19th straight victory.

The Brazilian, who outlasted his opponent in the five-round main event, now holds the interim bantamweight title and has put himself in position to take on current titleholder Dominick Cruz. The two were initially scheduled to meet at UFC 148 earlier this month, but Cruz had to withdraw with a knee injury.

Barao (31-1), who lost his first professional bout back in 2005, ran his unbeaten streak to 32 fights, with one declared a no-contest.

In what was billed as the co-main event, middleweight Tim Boetsch earned a split-decision victory over Hector Lombard, who was making his UFC debut.

Matthew Riddle kicked off the main card with a submission win over Chris Clements. After Riddle executed a perfect arm triangle, Clements tapped out at 2:02 of the third round.

Also on the main card, welterweight James Head won a split decision over Brian Ebersole, while Cheick Kongo earned a unanimous decision over Shawn Jordan in a matchup of heavyweights.

Ryan Jimmo made a spectacular statement with his right fist at the UFC’s debut in Calgary, taking just 7 seconds to knock out Anthony Perosh in their light heavyweight preliminary round bout.