The fight will be Baraou’s first since losing a close split decision to Xander Zayas in their title unification bout in January.

Top Rank President Todd duBoef believes the 31-year-old German has already shown that he belongs near the top of the division.

“Abass Baraou’s recent performances speak for themselves,” duBoef said. “He defied the odds by dominating Yoenis Tellez for the interim world title, was soon elevated to full champion, and came within a narrow split decision of unifying titles against Xander Zayas in January.”

Top Rank also promotes Zayas, giving the company control of both sides if a rematch eventually makes sense.

Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) captured the WBA interim belt last August with a unanimous decision over Yoenis Tellez, dropping him in the closing seconds. He became full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.

Instead of taking a soft tuneup following the loss to Zayas, Baraou meets Santillan (35-1, 18 KOs), a San Diego native who has won three consecutive fights since moving up in weight.

That makes September 11 more than an introduction to Top Rank for Baraou. If he handles Santillan and continues winning, Top Rank already has one particularly interesting destination available: another fight with Zayas.