Team Lloyd Irvin’s Dominick Cruz outlasted a very tough Urijah Faber out in Las Vegas tonight at the MGM Grand. I was here in LV to watch everything and I must say it’s been a great time. With that said I’m happy to be heading back to Maryland since Vegas stole all my money (well maybe not “stole”, haha I just stink at poker!). Here are my thoughts on the fight:
I think the key to Cruz winning was the outstanding use of head movement throughout. Yes I know, Dominick Cruz keeps his hands down at his hips, but he’s so fast and moves his head so well he gets away with it. I’m not sure what the numbers are but I’m pretty sure Dominick Cruz hit Faber twice as much as Faber hit him. I will say that Faber does have power in his hands and that was proven when he dropped Cruz with an overhand right in the 4th.
There was a bit less wrestling then I was hoping for but I think that Cruz was a little gunshy because of Faber’s gulliteen which isn’t a joke by any means (Faber won the first fight via Gulliteen choke). Once Cruz found his timing and range he started to hit some takedowns but keep in mind that Faber can wrestling so it wasn’t easy. In the 4th Faber stuffed a few of Cruz‘s shots which can make getting a takedown a pain in the rear.
Over all I liked the fight a whole lot. Of course I wanted Dominick Cruz to win because he’s my teammate but I do like Urijah Faber and think he’s a great fighter and great for the sport (he pretty much carried the WEC for 10 years). I do see a 3rd match down the road, and I all for it. The 135 pound fighters really bring it and it showed tonight.
Alright time to board the plane, see you soon Annapolis MD!