You would be hard pressed to find another fighter more ambitious than Urijah Faber.
The Team Alpha Male leader is a jack of all trades with a strong mind for business and an unflappable drive to accomplish his goals. He also happens to be one of the best 135 pound fighters on the planet, and at UFC 149 he will have the opportunity to check “UFC champion” off his list.
When MMA needed it most, Faber was amongst a handful of fighters who helped push the sport to the next level. While Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz were carrying the UFC flag, Faber was at the helm of the WEC showing the world the excitement which came from the lighter weight classes. Faber didn’t just compete in the WEC; he was the king of the WEC—dominant and undisputed.
Like all fighters, “The California Kid” has faced ups and downs in his career. Losses to Mike Brown, Jose Aldo and Domick Cruz have stung him; but every time he’s stumbled, Faber has bounced back stronger and more determined.
Now he turns his focus to rising star Renan Barao, and the young Brazilian is the only thing standing between him and a dream realized. Faber told Bleacher Report, “Becoming a UFC champion would mean a lot[…]I started this sport almost nine years ago and when I first started I wrote down on a piece of paper that I wanted to be either a Pride or a UFC world champion.The WEC title was almost justification of that dream but I still didn’t have the exact title I wanted. This is a huge opportunity and I’m ready to take advantage of it”
The clash between Faber and Barao represents a battle between the proven and the capable. Faber has been a champion and knows what it takes to remain at the top, whereas Barao has scrapped his way up the rankings to the upper tier of the bantamweight division.
While Barao has built momentum, Faber believes he’s never faced the type of test he is going to bring into the Octagon. Faber said, “He’s never been in there with a guy like me[…]I’m not saying he doesn’t belong, it’s just that we haven’t seen it yet. We are going to get a real gauge of where Barao is at on Saturday. I’m looking to take his win streak out from under him. I don’t mind being the guy who says, ‘this is the top level and either you’re here or you aren’t.'”
“We are pretty closely matched across the board[…]I have a small advantage in wrestling, stamina and strength. His kicks and knees are probably his advantage. Everything else is close.”
“I think my speed matches up well but we are going to find out Saturday. You never really know that type of thing until you are standing in front of somebody. As soon as we are right there I think he’s going to be surprised to find out how fast I am.”
Due to the rash of injuries which has plagued the card for UFC 149, the match up for the interim bantamweight title was moved to the main event. In addition to the delay, the shuffling of opponents against the backdrop of a big fight would be enough to rattle a lesser fighter, but Faber has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, “I like to be one of the guys the UFC comes to come to the rescue[…]I’ve been a team player with them and always do my due diligence with media and things of that nature. Plus I always put on a show. That is the most important thing. I go out there and fight with heart and tenacity. I never give up and that’s something you are going to get from me every single time and the UFC knows that.”
“I’m going to be looking for the kill and trying to finish the fight from the get-go. I’m going to try to be really creative in this one. He’s a guy who brings it and I’m going to make sure I’m a step ahead. I’m ready for anything.”
Urijah Faber knows the task ahead will not be easy, but he wouldn’t appreciate reaching the destination if the journey wasn’t challenging. That is simply Urijah Faber’s way and what has motivated him to push himself to be the best fighter, entrepreneur, author and champion he can be.
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