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Faber doesn't deserve title fight against Cejudo

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC / UFC / Getty

Urijah Faber proved that age is just a number by coming out of retirement to hand Ricky Simon his first UFC setback at UFC Fight Night 155.

It was a monumental win for the 40-year-old, but it's not a victory that should warrant a title shot against champion Henry Cejudo, no matter how much both parties are clamoring to face off against each other.

The most obvious reason for denying Faber a title shot is the fighter he just defeated. Simon is a bright prospect who carried an eight-fight win streak heading into the matchup, but he was ranked at the bottom of the top 15 in the division. Meanwhile, bantamweights Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan both picked up impressive victories at UFC 238 and are ranked second and fourth in the division, respectfully. While neither carries the type of billing that Faber does, both have earned their shot at gold against Cejudo.

Another overlooked area is Faber’s record prior to Saturday. While he's primarily fought tough competition, "The California Kid" is just 3-3 in his last six fights. One of those losses came against Jimmie Rivera, a man both Sterling and Yan recently defeated. Should the Team Alpha Male founder propel himself into a title shot, it would be his fifth opportunity at the 135-pound strap. It just doesn't make sense for Faber to cut in line in a crowded division with multiple contenders.

In addition, despite being one of the bigger names in the bantamweight division, Faber isn't a marquee fighter that would guarantee a lucrative payday for both himself and Cejudo.

Faber's quick win over Simon deservingly stole the headlines this weekend, but that shouldn't blind the UFC matchmakers on who should compete for the bantamweight championship.

Watch my video on Faber vs. Cejudo below and subscribe to theScoreMMA Youtube channel here.

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