Urijah Faber / Publicity photo
One of the most beloved bantamweight fighters in MMA, “The California Kid” Urijah Faber’s (26-6) next challenge is experienced jiu-jitsu black belt Ivan Menjivar (25-9). The pair will square off at UFC 157 on Feb. 23 in Anaheim, Calif., according to various reports.
Previously, rumors surfaced linking Urijah, who hasn’t fought since he lost his bid for the interim bantamweight belt to Renan “Barão” at UFC 149 last July, to a fight England’s Vaughan Lee. But speculation has been dashed, as Faber will be taking on Menjivar, an El Salvador-born Canadian coming off an armbar win over Azamat Gachimov at UFC 154.
Both fighters share the common characteristic of achieving most of their wins via submission.
Other fights confirmed for the UFC
As previously reported by GRACIEMAG.com, Ryan Bader, whose last octagon outing was a knockout loss to Lyoto Machida at UFC on Fox 4, will fight 41-year-old Vladimir Matyushenko, who was outdone by Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 141 in his last appearance.
Additionally, David Mitchell, who is coming off a loss to Brazil’s Paulo Thiago at UFC 134, will take on Norway’s Simeon Thoreson, who will have his third fight under the UFC banner.
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