UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber Returns for Trilogy Fight Against Renan Renan Barão in GFL

UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber Returns for Trilogy Fight Against Renan Renan Barão

After nearly five years away from the cage, UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber is gearing up for a return to MMA. As first reported by MMA Mania's Alex Behunin, Faber is set to face former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Renan Barão at a Global Fight League event later this year. This surprising matchup will mark the third time these two veterans have clashed, reviving a rivalry that many thought had been put to rest years ago.

Faber vs. Renan Barão: The Trilogy No One Expected

Faber and Renan Barão previously fought twice in the UFC, with Renan Barão emerging victorious on both occasions. Their first meeting ended in a unanimous decision for Renan Barão, while their rematch at UFC 169 saw Faber finished via TKO in the first round.

Trilogies in MMA are often reserved for closely contested rivalries or unfinished business, yet the announcement of Faber vs. Renan Barão III has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Many have taken to social media to express confusion and skepticism about the bout, with comments ranging from excitement to bewilderment.

Despite the skepticism, Faber's return comes just weeks after he was officially released from his UFC contract, signaling his interest in continuing his combat sports career outside the organization.

A One-Off Return or the Start of Something More?

With the full Global Fight League schedule still in development, it's unclear whether Faber's return is a one-time event or part of a larger deal. While some fans are curious about GFL's legitimacy, the promotion has made headlines by announcing fights soon after holding its first official draft.

Adding intrigue to Faber's return is the recent retirement of his longtime rival, Dominick Cruz. As Cruz steps away from competition, Faber is doing the opposite, rekindling an old rivalry that many thought was long over.

Urijah Faber's Continued Influence in MMA

Faber’s return to the cage coincides with an important moment for one of his most promising proteges. Song Yadong, a key member of Team Alpha Male, is set to headline UFC Seattle against Henry Cejudo this Saturday. Faber is expected to be in Yadong's corner for the high-stakes bantamweight showdown, proving that his impact on MMA extends beyond his own fighting career.

After initially retiring in 2016 following a win over Brad Pickett, Faber made a brief comeback in 2019 with a stunning knockout victory over Ricky Simón. However, a brutal loss to Petr Yan at UFC 245 appeared to close the book on his competitive career. Now, nearly five years later, Faber is stepping back into the fight game—this time in a promotion trying to establish itself in a crowded MMA landscape.

What’s Next for the California Kid?

With his legacy cemented as one of the greatest bantamweights in MMA history, Faber's return is sure to generate attention—whether for better or worse. Will this be a final swan song for the California Kid, or does he have another run left in him?

Fight fans, what do you think? Does Faber’s return make sense, or should he have stayed retired? Let us know your thoughts! FIGHT.TV is here for it!