UFC Fight Night 155 Main Card Preview And Predictions
2. Urijah Faber (34-10) Vs. Ricky Simon (15-1)
In the co-main event, UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber makes his highly anticipated return to the octagon. 'The California Kid' will be taking on bantamweight prospect Ricky Simon.
Faber is former WEC Featherweight Champion whose fought and beaten some the best fighters of his era. He is former NCAA Divison I Wrestler, who has also become a solid striker over the course of his legendary career. He last fought in December of 2016 and defeated fellow MMA veteran Brad 'One Punch' Pickett. The former champ turned 40-years-old this past May.
26-year-old Ricky Simon is undefeated in the UFC with a perfect 3-0 record since joining the promotion and has won his last eight fights overall. In his off time, Simon works as a middle school wrestling coach and has been grappling since he was 9. He is also a diverse striker with quick hands. Simon last fought in February and soundly defeated Rani Yahya via unanimous decision.
The first thing that jumps out here is the age difference. It's a little surprising that the UFC put the hometown star Faber in a match with a 26-year-old up-and-comer who is riding an eight-fight win streak. Simon's wrestling background should keep Faber from taking him down at will, which means this fight will likely be a striking match.
Simply put, it's hard to like a 40-year-old fighter's chances in a fistfight with a talented striker who is roughly 14 years his junior — especially coming off of a two and half year layoff.
The Pick: Simon via decision.