Faber happy for shot at UFC title after Cruz stripped of belt

As Cruz moves forward, he has one unlikely supporter. "I feel for the guy, to be honest," said Faber. "We've actually exchanged some words in the last day,

Jeff Wagenheim | Jan 7, 2014

Faber happy for shot at UFC title after Cruz stripped of belt /

Urijah Faber accepted title bout on a mere three weeks notice because he believes in his abilities. — Urijah Faber accepted title bout on a mere three weeks notice because he believes in his abilities :: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLCUFC/SI

As Cruz moves forward, he has one unlikely supporter. "I feel for the guy, to be honest," said Faber. "We've actually exchanged some words in the last day, and we share the same general sentiment: We still want to beat each other up. I have faith that he's stubborn enough, works hard enough that he'll get back on the horse, hopefully heal up, and then we'll settle the score. And I'll get to beat him up."

Published Jan 7, 2014

JEFF WAGENHEIM

Paradoxically, Jeff Wagenheim considers himself a pacifist (except when driving in traffic) but nonetheless writes about mixed martial arts, the world's most combative sport (other than driving in traffic). As a veteran of three decades in magazines and newspapers, he's a bit grayer than most who attend UFC fights, even along press row. (A fan watching an MMA media panel show recently referred to him as "that crazy hippie uncle," to which Jeff responds, "Groovy, man!") Wagenheim also has tackled pro football for SI.com, and writes about sports and the arts for The Boston Globe. When he's not on the road chasing the UFC, Jeff spends Sunday afternoons spinning Sleepy LaBeef and Boozoo Chavis records for a popular (but not pop) radio show in western Massachusetts.