In the co-main event of UFC 169, Urijah Faber was finished in quick order by bantamweight champion Renan Barao. The striking exchanges were fairly even through the first couple minutes before Barao dropped Faber with a devastating left hook. He pursued a hurt Faber until he trapped the California Kid in a turtle position, a series of of shots to the side of the head forced referee Herb Dean to call the fight.
While the stoppage was somewhat controversial, Faber took the defeat with the epitome of class. He stood his ground that he could have continued while simultaneously raising both Barao and Dean as the best in the business. Fans will continue to discuss the validity of the stoppage, but Faber could not have handled the situation better.
At the post-fight press conference following the event, Faber did bring a different angle to the story to light. According to the Team Alpha Male founder, he sustained a torn hamstring in the short time he had to train for the fight:
Faber says he tore his hamstring during this training camp. Minor tear. Patella tendon bruise, too.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) February 2, 2014
With former 135 lb. champ Dominick Cruz being forced to vacate his title after yet another injury, Faber only had a matter of weeks to train for the fight. Some will see Faber’s injury revelation as an excuse but competing under injury is part of the sport.
About the author
