“With Faber, it’s like, it’s bigger than me and it’s bigger than his goofy self. It’s more about the fans. I’ve had so many questions about that fight over the years even – ‘When are you gonna shut Faber up?’ He’s been in the sport so long, he’s got some backing. People believe in him. I feel like for his fans, I have to give them a chance. Listen, Faber fans. I’ll give you a chance, one more chance to try to bask in some sort of glory. He’s not going to do it for you, so I’ll give you the chance for him… I don’t think he’s regressed. I don’t. I don’t think he’s gotten worse. I think that he’s the stayed the same and the game has progressed. That’s the difference. I think Faber is uncoachable. I think that anytime somebody goes in there to coach him, he ends up kicking them out, because he has to be the alpha. I think that’s been the downfall of his career.”
-UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz gives his assessment on challenger Urijah Faber during an EA Sports UFC 2 launch event (transcribed by MMAFighting.com).
Penick’s Analysis: There may be something to that take, especially when you see how Faber’s butted heads with others who have come through Team Alpha Male. Obviously Duane Ludwig is the top name on that list, as Faber found himself unable to work with Ludwig despite several other fighters in camp finding him beneficial. Still, Faber’s remained a highly skilled competitor, and will be a challenge come their fight in June, but if Cruz can dispatch him a second time he’ll put that feud behind him for good.
[Photo (c) Bob DeChiara via USA Today Sports]
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