Two former WEC champions are set to face-off when bantamweights Urijah Faber and Brian Bowles meet each other on the main card.
A victory for either Faber or Bowles will re-enter them back into the title picture at 135 pounds.
Faber will be coming into this bout looking to prove that he remains a competitive force in the bantamweight division since falling short to the champion, Dominick Cruz, earlier this year in a close, hard-fought bout at UFC 132.
Despite the loss, “The California Kid” showed a lot of heart and skill, as he came close to putting the champion in danger on a few occasions. Possessing quickness, unorthodox striking and solid wrestling credentials, Faber will hopes to utilize his skills in order to claim the win.
Bowles, who previously held the bantamweight title while competing in the WEC, has made a successful transition thus far in the UFC, currently holding a two-fight winning streak. Bowles showed off his skills to UFC fans, showing technical striking and a strong submission game, proving that he belongs among the elite competitors in the bantamweight division.
Coincidentally, both Faber and Bowles have suffered losses to Cruz, so it is very likely to see both competitors put on a performance and enter the bout determined to earn the victory.
While both fighters possess speed and technique in their striking skills, it is Faber who is much more well-rounded and the more dynamic striker. Faber will want to keep this bout remaining on the feet as much as possible, so he can utilize his speed to force Bowles to commit to striking and pick him apart with his unorthodox counter-striking.
Bowles is efficient on the ground, however, Faber’s wrestling skills and submission defense should prevent the former WEC bantamweight champion from gaining an advantage. Faber is a more accomplished grappler and is the superior fighter overall.
Look for Faber to dictate the fight with his speed and pick apart his opponent with his dynamic offense en route to a unanimous decision.
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