Despite a series of heated rivalries throughout his MMA career, Urijah Faber is on good terms with former opponent Dominick Cruz and is open to making amends with former teammate T.J. Dillashaw despite a messy split.
Urijah Faber, a UFC Hall of Famer and MMA pioneer, had a series of rivalries throughout his career, most notably with Dominick Cruz. Although their relationship was once heated, Faber now says that he and Cruz are on good terms. He acknowledged that Cruz had matured and achieved success with his commentary and multiple world championships in the UFC. Despite their past rivalry, Faber stated, “I like Dom,” and added that Cruz had made an effort to be cool when Faber retired.
Faber and Cruz fought three times across two weight classes, with their rivalry extending to other members of Team Alpha Male, including T.J. Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt. Faber recalled a unique event before their fight at UFC 132 that led to a newfound respect for each other. He mentioned that they had a two-day stint where they became friends before returning to being enemies, but they always communicated after that, even if it was to talk a little trash.
While Faber is on good terms with Cruz, he admitted to having some lingering bad blood with Dillashaw after his departure from Team Alpha Male. However, Faber expressed his willingness to make amends now that they are in the same area, stating, “I’m willing to let bygones be bygones. I don’t like negativity in my life. If there’s negativity there, I’ll squash it.”
Faber, who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2017, last competed at UFC 245 in December 2019, where he lost by knockout to Petr Yan. Despite some unresolved rivalries, Faber continues to maintain a positive outlook on the relationships in his life.