Durability: Leben finished 4× on record
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a volume gap (3.9 vs 2.6 strikes per minute); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Cruz's wrestling (2.8 takedowns per 15) against Faber's striking is the central exchange: Faber stops 58% of attempts on record.
Supporting evidenceGrappling: 2.8 takedowns / 15 vs 58% defense
| Attribute | Cruz | Faber |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 26 | 32 |
| Height | 5′8″ | 5′6″ |
| Reach | 68″ | 67″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Cruz averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes; Faber has stopped 58% of attempts on record.
Favors FaberCruz lands 3.9 significant strikes per minute to Faber’s 2.6: a real volume gap.
Favors CruzWatch the first takedown attempt from Cruz: whether it lands, and how expensive it looks, tells you the shape of the fight.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Cruz keeps landing takedowns at 2.8 per 15 minutes; if Faber stays upright, the striking rates (3.9 vs 2.6 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
