Former WEC champion Urijah Faber hasn’t been seen inside a cage since UFC 149. “The California Kid” was outmatched against the Brazilian Renan Barao and saw his chances of a third bout with Dominick Cruz slip away.
Faber has been linked to a number of scenarios for possible fights (including a war of words with Michael Bisping), but recently told UFC Tonight that he plans to return in February 2013 for UFC 156. MMA Junkie has the details and also information as to where Faber’s next fight will take place.
“No way. I put on 18 pounds last night, and I would probably not be here if I was trying to get to 125. No, 135 is where I’ll be,” Faber said.
UFC 156 is the promotion’s Super Bowl card and is usually one of the most stacked events of the year.
Faber was the king of the featherweight division for years while he competed in the WEC, but was forced to move down a weight class after getting mauled by Jose Aldo’s leg kicks. There, Faber met a familiar foe in his rival Cruz.
The two met at UFC 132 with Cruz edging Faber in a very close fight. They were set to have their rubber match after coaching opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter, but Cruz tore his ACL. The injury forced the UFC to create an interim title.
Putting Faber on UFC 156 would be a great move by the UFC. He’s still a big draw with fans and carries a popular name into any fight. Despite losing to the UFC champion and interim champion, Faber is also still relevant in the division due to a lack of depth.
Faber against someone like Michael McDonald could be a very interesting and explosive way to kick off UFC 156. He could also be in line to face Brad Pickett if the Englishman gets past Eddie Wineland at UFC 155.
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