UFC 128 Fight Card: Can Urijah Faber Claim Bantamweight Gold?

Saturday March 19th from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey will feature two bantamweight stars, "The California Kid" Urijah Faber versus Eddie Wineland.

The well-known and very popular former WEC featherweight champion, Urijah Faber, will put his 24-4 record up against the relatively unknown, yet dangerous stand-up striker with an overall MMA record of 18-6, in Eddie Wineland.

The ramifications of a victory in this clash could lead to a No. 1 contender ranking versus current UFC bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz.

"I feel like this (fight) is a shot to get a title shot, which is important to me," Faber stated in a media conference call. 

Speaking publicly about his desire to challenge for the championship, Faber knows that this Saturday's contest will place the winner in prime position to compete for the title.

Opposing "The California Kid" will be the former WEC bantamweight champion, Eddie Wineland.  The 26-year-old is on a four fight win streak with two back-to-back Knockout of the Night awards in the WEC.

"I think I put together a good win streak, and I'm deserving of a title shot given that I win this fight," Wineland told MMAJunkie.com radio.

For Urijah Faber, another chance as champion is the motivating force.  "My focus is getting the belt," Faber stated.  Defeating Cruz in 2007 via guillotine choke submission, "The California Kid" has all the pieces in place to regain his belt in another weight class.

A victory against Eddie Wineland is the first hurdle in re-capturing gold for the former champ.

Stay tuned as the UFC bantamweight division continues to unfold and Urijah Faber's presence is an integral piece of the future of this exciting division.

Enjoy the fights.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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