Urijah Faber is (30-6) one of the hardest working fighters in the world, which is very noticeable when he walks into the Octagon.
Bruce Buffer is done being the best ring announcer, Arianny Celeste is finished walking cage side, and that octagon door is shut. His cardio is top-notch, strong takedowns, durable chin, and fast hands, but it’s just something about that title fight that eludes himself of the win.
Saturday night he takes on Renan Barao for the UFC Bantamweight title. Now counting Saturday this will be his 4th swing at UFC gold.
Can he get it done?
Urijah Faber vs Renan Barao for the Bantamweight title may sound vaguely familiar to some people, but that’s because two years ago on July 21, 2012 they fought for the UFC Interim title, because former champion Dominick Cruz tore his ACL, and was forced to withdraw.
That fight in late July of 2012 saw Faber break his rib in the first round, and Barao hand raised with a unanimous decision victory. Now Faber has said he wasn’t completely motivated for that fight, but what about the other two title fights?
Dominick Cruz vs Urijah Faber July 2, 2011, Urijah lost by Unanimous decision, though he did earn fight of the night honors, he was just off that night.
April 2, 2010 Urijah Faber vs Jose Aldo was brutal on Uriah’s legs, because Jose put on a kicking clinic, which saw Faber limping to the corner after rounds, and falling to the ground after impact.
After those three battles, and “The California Kid” being 34 years old, you’d think his title shot days are over.
Faber has strung off four straight wins, three by submission stoppage, and his last one being his most impressive win in years over one of the best bantamweights in the world Michael McDonald. He hurt him with punches and jumped for the Guillotine choke finish.
Urijah who trains with Team Alpha male has been on a roll, and looks more hungry then ever. It seems the older he’s gotten, the faster, stronger, elusive, but most of all wiser. Faber was assisted with another injury to Dominick Cruz, and took the fight right away, but this in all likelihood will be his last title shot if he doesn’t get it done, but it’s just something different about Urijah now.
Will this be it for Urijah?
Or will he be the top kid at the playground? Saturday night will answer it all.