Perennial contender Urijah Faber announced earlier today that his short-lived retirement is coming to an end after signing a new four-fight deal exclusively for title fights.
Faber announced his retirement after his decision victory over Brad Pickett at UFC on Fox 22 on December 17th, 2016, in Sacramento, but says the new four title fight deal is too hard to pass up.
“The UFC came to me with an offer I just could not refuse,” said Faber while vacationing in Mexico. “I am guaranteed at least one title fight a year, I don’t have to fight any up-and-comers, and I get to skip the line. Also, if anyone from Bantamweight to Lightweight gets injured before a title fight I will be the first person to get the call.”
Many MMA fans immediately took to social media to voice their opinions on the recent signing.
“Honestly, this is just business as usual for Faber,” said Sherdog forum user 420Diaz209. “He didn’t earn any of his title fights when he was an active fighter, so why should that change now that he’s retired?”
Others were more excited by the news of the returning California Kid.
“Urijah has earned each and every title fight he gets, and everyone that says otherwise is just a hater. Quit ducking him, Conor – he is coming for you,” said Team Alpha Male head coach Justin Buchholz.
Critics of the new UFC ownership believe the signing is a move to keep one of the most marketable fighters on the roster involved in high profile fights. UFC President Dana White directly addressed that criticism.
“That’s dumb, quit asking stupid fucking questions,” said White when asked about Faber on a recent media call.
With Faber’s Team Alpha Male teammate Cody Garbrandt recently winning the bantamweight title,many insiders believe this sets up a super fight between the teammates. Urijah Faber was quick to shut down any talk of fighting Garbrandt.
“I absolutely will not fight Cody, he is the future, and I don’t want to do anything to derail that,” said Faber. “Besides, in less than two weeks they are going to have four or five interim bantamweight belts for me to fight for.”