This Sunday on Versus, one of the best MMA fights of the year will take place and you don't have to pay a dime to see it (assuming you have cable). Uriah Faber will challenge Mike Brown in a rematch for the WEC Featherweight Championship. Last fight, Brown caught Uriah with a right as Faber spun around to deliver an elbow. This time Faber says he won't make the same mistake, but he's not changing anything about his fighting style. See what the California Kid has to say and watch the whole WEC card this Sunday. You can see the first fight from 7 to 9 pm and then watch the rematch live starting at 9. Believe me, you don't want to miss this.
UGO: First flight was in Florida, which was home turf for Mike Brown, and the rematch will take place in Sacramento, which is your backyard. Does that give you a psychological edge?
Uriah Faber: You know, I'm always amped up for these fights. I love fighting. I'm sure, when it comes down to it, the crowd's really going to get me going. As far as it being a primal thing, it's two guys fighting each other and that's how I see it. I'll take all the positive energy I can get.
UGO: This fight has been called the "biggest fight in WEC history." As a fighter, does that sort of hype even register for you, or does it sneak it's way in?
Uriah Faber: Like I said, I take every fight the same. This fight is going to be huge. It was huge last time. They can bill it however they want, but it comes down to two guys fighting in the cage, and that's how I'm going to keep it in my own head.
UGO: You've said prior to the last fight that you thought Mike Brown was the total package. You respected his punching power and his ability to control people. What have you learned since the first fight about him and about you?
Uriah Faber: We match up well together as far as fighting styles. I have a little bit of an edge as far as speed, and he has an edge as far as size. Everywhere else is going to be close. I feel like last time I made a mistake that was capitalized on. I plan on not making any mistakes this time.
UGO: Has there been one fight in your career that you've watched and learned from the most, or participated in and learned the most from?
Uriah Faber: Probably the first time I fought for a belt (GC 27: Fight Fest 2 against David Velasquez). It was the first time I went the distance with a veteran. That was a pretty big win for me and set the tone for the rest of my career. Understanding what all goes into it. I had to dig deep and get creative. And that helped to shape my fighting style: thinking in the moment and making things up.
UGO: I want to talk about that style. You are very creative and in the fight with Mike Brown, you had the spinning back elbow that Brown capitalized on. Is that something you will tone down this fight and be more straightforward?
Uriah Faber: I'd like to think that I'd be more careful. I was in the moment. Getting caught with that right shouldn't necessarily affect training or preparation. I'll be sure not to make that same mistake twice. I'm still going to let it all hang out 'cause that's my style, and that's what makes fighting fun for me.
UGO: Speaking of your style, are there any fighter's styles you like or want to work towards?
Uriah Faber: At this point, I into watching the fighters that fight with the mentality of finishing and letting it all hang out. I don't like the guys that are out there to out point people. I guess you could say, those guys that make a game out of the sport. Fighters that fight with passion are the best ones. One guy that I've looked up to as a fighter for years now is Sakuraba. He has the right attitude in the ring. You can tell he has fun with it; he's creative; he's obviously very skilled in everything. I just like his overall demeanor and mentality in the cage.
UGO: Can you give us a prediction for the upcoming rematch?
Uriah Faber: You can expect that I'm going to win, and it will be exciting. The fights always are exciting. I'm going to get my belt back.
If you want to learn more about Uriah, check out uriahfaber.com.
