The Triangle Choke 10.30.08: A Talk With Urijah Faber
Posted by Scott Dryden on 10.30.2008
Urijah Faber discusses a possible matchup with Miguel Torres, defending his title against Mike Brown, the business of MMA and much more!
The Triangle Choke:
Urijah Faber
In this edition I interview one of the greats, WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber. Faber is an incredible athlete and one of the best pound for pound fighters in the business (ranked #6 in TTC pound for pound rankings).
The Triangle Choke - You are only 29 years old yet you have already accomplished a lot, including a 21-1 record. Where are you in this stage of your career
Urijah Faber - I'm trying to grow with the sport. The sport is basically at the point where the superstars stand out. I want to make my name
TTC - Do you envision UFC including your weight class
UF - No, they are trying to pump up WEC. WEC has the same owners as UFC. I'm kind of the main star in WEC so it wouldn't make sense to move me.
TTC - On November 5th (Live on Versus) you will defend your title against Mike Brown. How do you think he will attack you?
UF - He is real aggressive, he will push the pace, most likely he will try to control me on the ground.
TTC - You have several endorsements and own a gym. Describe yourself as a businessman.
UF - I have my hand in a lot of business deals, lot of different interests. I'm opening a 2nd gym. I have good business partners I surround myself with. They make a lot of the decisions. I will make some of the executive decisions.
TTC - Personally, there are several fights I would like to see, one of those is Miguel Torres vs. Urijah Faber. I recently spoke with Miguel who stated it is a possibility. What are your thoughts on the possibility of that fight happening.
UF - I could see that happening, there is only a 4-5 pound difference in size. It would be a good fight. I'm kind of buddies with him but if it makes sense it will happen.
TTC - You have only one loss in your career, coming at the hands of Tyson Griffin. Do you have intentions of avenging that loss.
UF - There has been a lot of talk about that. I would be for it. I think that will happen.
TTC - Would the fight be at a catch weight?
UF - No, it would be at 155 lbs. That is my natural weight, he would be cutting weight. That would be an advantage for him.
TTC - Which victory have you enjoyed the most?
UF - Jens Pulver. I really enjoyed that fight. He is a guy that is really good and it was in my hometown. It made an exciting fight.
TTC - The sport is filled with rivalries and some trash talk. Is there anyone that really gets under your skin.
UF - Not really, there are a few guys I like more than others. I don't let the drama get to me. I'm just enjoying life.
TTC - Finally, what is your lifestyle like and what do you do for fun.
UF - I have a pretty fun environment. I love spending time at the beach. I own four houses which some of my trainers and fighters stay at. I spend a lot of time in the gym. I spend 3-6 hours training and time with the trainers and fighters. We now have 540 members at the gym.
TTC - Thanks for the time Urijah and best wishes in your upcoming bout
For more information on Urijah and his gym please visit http://www.ultimatefitness.pro/
On the subject of fights I would like to see with some reason applied regarding weight class, so here are my top five:
1. Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre (Would be an incredible display of athleticism.)
2. Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar (Imagine the strikes in this fight, both fighters are very aggressive.)
3. Miguel Torres vs. Urijah Faber (Two of the best in the sport, this fight would be a thrilling ride whether on the ground or in the stand up.)
4. Forrest Griffin vs. Lyota Machida (Polar opposites, Machida gets a bad rap, his resume speaks for itself.)
5. BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre (This is a fight that will happen, great rematch, Penn lost to St. Pierre over two years ago, Penn is a different fighter now.)
What are the top five fights you would like to see?
MMA fans, stay out of life's Triangle Choke!!!
