Brad Pickett is the forgotten equation in Urijah Faber's retirement
At UFC Fight Night in Sacramento, Urijah Faber will have his last fight, and English fighter Brad Pickett told Ariel Helwani he is “honoured” to be the last man to face one of MMA’s “true pioneers”.
Last week MMA legend Urijah Faber announced he will retire after his next fight, against Brad Pickett at the UFC on FOX card in Sacramento. “The California Kid” is a pivotal figure in increasing MMA’s popularity, especially in the lighter weight classes.
Recently, and for the first time in his storied career, Faber lost two fights in a row. The 37-year-old deemed that reason enough to hang up his 4 oz gloves. His last opponent will be Brad Pickett, and the English man fully understands the magnitude of the occasion.
“When I was offered this fight I was pumped” Pickett told Ariel Helwani. “I texted him [Faber] straight away letting him know how honored I was to be his last opponent.”
Like Faber, Pickett has had a rough time with results of late. After winning only 1 of his last 5 fights, Pickett felt he was “slowly burning out.” However, this match has “relit a fire” in the English fighter. And he promises this fire will ensure a thrilling encounter.
“We’re going to put on a good old-fashioned scrap to send him out in style.” Fans love to hear these kinds of statements.
It would be anticlimactic if Faber’s last ever fight was a frustrating bore. Especially considering it is in his hometown of Sacramento. Whether or not the UFC knew Faber intended to retire when booking the fight is unclear. Regardless, Pickett is an excellent choice for the occasion. Just like Faber, he has a history of creating exciting fights.
In the buzz of the great Californian’s retirement, we’ve forgotten to analyze how important the result of this fight will be. Pickett desperately needs a win. It wasn’t long ago he was feeling the pressure of his bad results and questioning his own capabilities.
A win over Francisco Rivera eased those questions, but his quick and disappointing loss at UFC 204 raised them again. Whilst fans will always remember him fondly, at 38, a win has never been so crucial. Though a nightmare for Faber, a victory for Pickett will be a dream for his remaining career.
In December, Faber will be the favorite. Rightly so. And all the attention will be on him. But Pickett will walk to that Octagon, hat on, and with his future to fight for. Pickett said it will be a fight “no one will forget,” but more importantly, he needs to make it one he doesn’t want to forget.
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