UFC 139 Preview: The Main Card

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Bantamweights
Urijah Faber (25-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. Brian Bowles (10-1, 2-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Faber would like nothing better than to set up a third meeting with current bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, and it would not hurt the UFC’s feelings to put together a lucrative trilogy featuring the promotion’s most bankable 135-pound commodity, either. First there is the task at hand for “The California Kid,” which is getting past a game, if underappreciated, opponent in Bowles.

A former World Extreme Cagefighting champion, Bowles has flown under the radar because injuries have shelved him for extended periods of time. Still, his upset of Miguel Torres remains a crowning achievement, and, when healthy, the Georgia native is a dangerous offensive talent.

Broken hands against both Torres and Cruz have hindered Bowles’ progress, but he insists that brittle fists will not continue to be a problem. Bowles thought he suffered a similar injury in his most recent victory over Takeya Mizugaki, so it will be interesting to see if it alters his strategy while standing. At 100 percent, Bowles owns a stiff right hand and solid wrestling. He will need both to succeed against Faber, who, at 135 pounds, would appear to have the number of most everyone in the division but Cruz. Bowles needs to take good angles, using his quickness to move in and out while striking with the Team Alpha Male representative. Faber has competent standup, and he rocked Cruz with a couple of straight right hands, but it is no secret that fighting Bowles at close range would be his ultimate goal.

Bowles is a superior athlete to most of his opponents, but that will not be the case here. Faber’s quickness in forcing tie-ups and securing takedowns is without peer. In either of these positions, Faber should hold a distinct strength advantage. Bowles must use his wrestling to sprawl and keep the battle upright. On the ground, Faber forces his opponents to work constantly while in the guard. If Bowles does escape Faber’s overwhelming top game, the former WEC featherweight champion is also relentless when it comes to scrambles.

Winning a decision will be a tall order for Bowles; his best chance is to stun Faber with one of his lethal right hands and attack from there.

The Pick: Faber’s superior size and strength at bantamweight will ultimately win the day here. His striking is competent enough to allow him to get close to Bowles, and he will bully the Hardcore Gym representative against the cage and on the mat. Faber wins by unanimous decision.

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