Ever since losing his WEC Featherweight Championship, Urijah Faber has come up short in bids to regain a big golden belt against Mike Brown, Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz and Renan Barao. After losing his fifth title fight in as many chances, the California Kid needs to take a big step back and assess his situation.
Going 0-5 in title fights but remaining “in the mix” is absolutely unheard of, and the Alpha Male fighter knows it. At this point in his career, Faber simply needs to stay active and keep his mind on winning fights, not titles.
An ultra-popular fighter with well-rounded skills who used to be on top, but can’t seem to beat the champion, Faber looks to have become the Rich Franklin of the lighter weight classes.
Like Franklin, Faber should embrace the role of elite gatekeeper and sign up for big-name fights in whichever division has the most exciting opportunity available that month. And first on his agenda should be none other than former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres.
Torres is another fighter who has not had the most luck since losing his championship. Going 3-3 since a KO to Brian Bowles cost him his championship, Torres is a fantastic fighter who has only failed when facing the best fighters in the world.
Angel’s losses include Joseph Benavidez, Michael McDonald and a controversial decision to Demetrious Johnson. In that time, the former champion has stayed in the public eye after a Twitter joke about the content of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia was deemed too controversial by Dana White and cost Torres his roster spot.
Now back in the UFC, Torres remains one of a few former champions still on the roster who has yet to face Faber. With a seven-inch reach advantage and a grappling game that could give anyone fits, this fight represents a champion vs. champion superfight from 2008, when each men ruled their division with an iron fist.
Are there other interesting fights for Faber out there? Sure. But just like Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell, Faber vs. Torres is a fight between the two fighters who were considered the best of their respective divisions only a few years ago.
Faber and Torres are still relevant fighters with something left to give to this sport. Let them duke it out and see who the better man is.
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