UFC 149: Lengthy Layoff Will Benefit Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao

Urijah Faber's lengthy layoff from pounding on competitors inside the Octagon will benefit him tremendously on Saturday night at UFC 149, when he takes on a scorching Renan Barao.

The two will meet for the interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 149 in Calgary.

Although some would argue that fighting after a 245-day layoff is difficult to do because of the rust factor, the exact opposite argument can be made thanks to the fresh factor, which I shall explain.

Faber has not fought since November of 2011—before Thanksgiving, in fact—and at 33 that rest and rejuvenation is absolutely key. 

The California Kid has more than 170 minutes of time in the Octagon, compared to Barao's 50, which makes his layoff that much more crucial to his hopes on Saturday night.

Four of Faber's last seven fights have gone the distance, as well, which means he will need every last day of rest and night of sleep during his lengthy layoff to muster up a finishing touch in the later rounds.

The amount of time that a fighter has off in between fights can often be an overrated topic of discussion, but in this case, Faber's freshness is vital.

Barao has youth and momentum on his side, having won 28 consecutive fights at only age 25, and should present Faber with one of the toughest matchups of his career.

The Brazilian's strength is attacking with pace and out-striking his opponents right from the start. Faber has certainly been prepared during training, but nothing compares to the real thing. 

Faber's lengthy layoff will prove to be a godsend for the veteran fighter Saturday night in Alberta, Canada, when he brings a new energy into the Octagon at UFC 149.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.