Urijah Faber vs. Brad Pickett added to UFC on FOX 22

“The California Kid” will once again be fighting in front of his home fans in Sacramento.Confirming a report from the Sacramento Bee, UFC officials announced on Tuesday evening that Urijah Faber will battle Brad Pickett at UFC on FOX 22 on Saturday, December 17th.

Faber (33-10) fought for the UFC bantamweight title in June, but was dominated by rival Dominick Cruz in the UFC 199 main event. Three months later, at UFC 203, Faber put in a rather lackluster performance and was shutout on the scorecards against Jimmie Rivera. This marked Faber’s first ever defeat in a scheduled non-title, three-round fight. His last win was by decision against Frankie Saenz at UFC 194, and this 1-3 spell is otherwise the worst run of the former WEC featherweight champion’s entire career.

Pickett (25-12) was absolutely wrecked by Iuri Alcantara at UFC 204. “One Punch” was knocked down early, then submitted via triangle choke inside of 2 minutes. He’s lost 4 of his last 5, with his one win coming via controversial split decision vs. Francisco Rivera. The Brit has been the recipient of seven post-fight bonuses, dating back to his WEC days), and is known for consistently putting on exciting fights. He also gave Demetrious Johnson his first professional loss, soundly outwrestling “Mighty Mouse” in their 2010 meeting.

UFC on FOX 22 is headlined by a strawweight bout between Team Alpha Male’s own Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson. Also featured on this card is a battle of two welterweight prospects, as Sage Northcutt takes on Mickey Gall.