Faber could retire if he defeats Cruz, teammate says

Team Alpha Male fighter Cody Garbrandt believes team founder Urijah Faber might ride off into the sunset soon.

A third meeting between Faber and current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has not been officially booked, but both men have said they welcome the opportunity to complete their trilogy. Each fighter holds a win over the other.

Should the hypothetical fight end with Faber having his hand raised, Garbrandt told "Submission Radio" it might be the last time we see "The California Kid" in action.

"We talked about it before, he'll go out as champion, retire," Garbrandt said, according to Anton Tabuena of BloodyElbow.com. "Urijah has done so much for the sport and been a world champion, he's been the featherweight king at the WEC - and people seem to forget that Urijah ruled that era for a very long time, fought some of the best fighters.

"What else would he have to prove? You win the title and go out, storybook ending. Boom, done."

The 36-year-old Faber submitted Cruz in 2007, then dropped a decision to his rival when they fought again in 2011. A third fight would settle the score between the two pioneers of the lighter weight classes.

"If he goes two and one against Cruz, wins a world title, he then goes on and lives his life," Garbrandt said. "He's 'The California Kid,' he does what he always does. He's always in the gym. He's got his other business endeavors."