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Do you think Urijah Faber can get over the hump in a title fight against either Dominick Cruz or Renan Barao if he gets that fight in the next year?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I think Faber beat Cruz both times they fought, so I don't see why a hot Faber can't do it again. Particularly when adding in the state of both Cruz' knee and his state of mind. Beating Barao, however... Doubtful, at best.
C.J. TUTTLE, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Absolutely. He has always been so gifted, and now that he has been given even more time to grow the championship belt will not continue to elude him. I think he honestly runs through Barao, and sets up the mega fight between himself and Cruz. The emotional aspect of that fight will play a large role for both Cruz and Faber.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think one of these times he's got to cash in, but I'm afraid that he won't ever. I'd like to see it, though, because I've liked Faber for years. I think his best chance would be against a rusty Cruz. I don't know if it's a mental thing or not, but Faber just can't see to close the deal. I hope that changes sometimes.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
No. He has proven time and time again he can beat any fighter ranked lower than three. Conversley, he has also proven he cannot beat the top two fighters in the division. I am wondering how long he will stay around in the UFC. Insert picture of John Fitch here. He is a good fighter I enjoy watching and as long as he sells tickets to shows he will probably stick around. I think the UFC and Zuffa could spend it's money more wisely promoting several younger fighters and improve the game instead of focusing on one over the hill fighter.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Can Faber win a belt? Sure. Will he? Probably not. He's lost to both guys holding belts and was taking a beating on the back end of that fight against Jorgensen before getting the submission win, so do I think he'll hold gold? I'd give it a 25% chance. He's more likely to beat a returning Dominick Cruz right now than Renan Barao.
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Faber is still in no mans land. He's not as good as Cruz or Barao but he's out on his own in front of everyone else. Admittedly his fight with Cruz was fairly close, but he was easily outclassed by Barao. Only way he beats Cruz is if the champion can't fully recover from the injuries that have kept him inactive for so long.
The way Barao has progressed over the last couple of years, he's only going to improve while Faber moves in the opposite direction. Faber is a star though and it's evident that he'll get yet another title opportunity sooner rather than later. Sadly for him when it does happen - it's only going to end in defeat again.
[Urijah Faber art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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