Nope. The US has had more champs than anyone. Most of the UFC champs in each division have been from the US. Hell, there has never been anything but a US lightweight champ.
I've been meaning to say this for a while, but I suspect I know what is going on with Dominic. I have Edge shaving cream that lists him as the UFC champ. He probably has some deal where he keeps getting paid so long as he remains UFC champ. So whether the injury is real or not, he would then have a lot less incentive to get healthy and risk his title. I think Cruz is very good, but I'd pick Barrao over him with some confidence.
I think Cruz has a better chance to beat Barao if he relinquished the belt and had a couple of fights before facing Renan for title. If he did that, I'd make it a 50/50 fight. Cruz will give anyone trouble with his movement.
Except someone who is actually good at striking... Cruz is somehow overrated because he beat a bunch of dwarves + won a 48-47 nap tuck decision over Faber....a guy both Aldo and Barao completely dominated. He barely even outstruck DJ, he won by being much bigger than him and taking him down a lot. When your most impressive wins are Brian Bowles which was a doctor stoppage due to a hand injury to begin with...and squeaking by a guy the guy you are fighting next destroyed, you are pretty overrated. Barao has matched all of his best wins and actually has stoppage wins over good BANTAMWEIGHTS like Wineland and McDonald.
Silent- you're being defensive like I said Barao wasn't good. He's a great fighter but he hasn't faced anyone like Cruz. I think Barao destroys Cruz of they fight immediately. However, if Cruz gets a tune-up or two, it will be competitive.
