• UFC 139

Faber gets title shot with victory over Bowles

ESPN staff
July 24, 2011
Urijah Faber put on a great battle with Dominick Cruz © Getty Images
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UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Urijah Faber stands just one victory away from a potential title rematch with Dominick Cruz.

Faber takes on Brian Bowles at UFC 139, while Cruz defends his bantamweight crown against Demetrious Johnson at UFC Live on October 1. The winner of Faber v Bowles will then clash with whoever emerges victorious from the Cruz v Johnson encounter.

"Both Urijah and Bowles lost to Cruz," White explained to ESPN. "The winner of their fight will earn a rematch."

Faber's last fight was a thrilling five-round war with Cruz, which ended in a decision victory for the champion. The California Kid is the only man to have beaten Cruz though, and his performance in that fight undoubtedly warrants another shot at the title.

Bowles also has legitimate claims to a rematch after his WEC loss to Cruz was ended prematurely by a hand injury. Cruz was winning at the time, but there is undoubtedly unfinished business.

Faber commented: "I definitely want the rematch with Cruz. It's a fight that needs to happen. But I'm fine with having another fight going into it. It definitely gives me extra motivation. Beating Brian Bowles is just one step closer to getting that belt. I'm sure Brian Bowles is motivated himself to get another shot."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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