Faber (right) hopes for a quick recovery for Cruz (left). Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Urijah faber showed solidarity with his long-time rival, Dominick Cruz, who is expected to be out of fights for a few more months due to a new injury, this time in the groin.
Former bantamweight champion, Cruz had to give up his belt after not fighting for a long period. Since his last fight, in October 2011, “The Dominator”, as he is known, suffered a serious knee injury, which required some surgeries. He was scheduled to return in February, at UFC 169, when he would face Renan Barao, but had to withdraw from the fight due to the new injury.
In an interview with North American television channel Fox Sports, Faber expressed his hope for a quick recovery for Cruz, whom he has already faced twice, with one victory for each side. “I feel sorry for him. We don't like each other, but we've kept some contact over the years and would still like to face each other again. I have no doubt that he is too stubborn to give up on returning. I will be cheering him on to recover so I can punch him again”, said the fighter.
Faber was selected to replace Cruz and challenge Barão, named as the new bantamweight champion, for the belt. The fight will be a rematch of the meeting held in 2012, when the Brazilian won by decision of the judges. Willing to give back, Faber guaranteed that he will present a different stance. “I think it was a very close fight. Aside from a few punches and kicks, it was a warm fight. I will make this fight exciting, exciting, and I know he will do the same. I will be a completely different fighter and he will have to be too, because I am going up,” he declared.
UFC 169 will take place on February 1st, in New Jersey, United States. The night will feature another title fight, when José Aldo will face Ricardo Lamas for the featherweight title in the co-main event.
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