Urijah Faber discusses Fighting Jens Pulver, WEC Expectations, Changing Weight Class for Big Fights and More!

Posted by Larry Csonka on 05.15.2008

WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber speaks!

Credit: betweentheropes.com

Between The Ropes
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com

On Tuesday night, May 13, WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber joined hosts Brian Fritz, Dickerman, and Vito DeNucci live on Between The Ropes on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060 to discuss his fight against Jens Pulver on June 1st, what may be next for him after Pulver, and much more.

The interview began with Urijah being asked about his upcoming fight against Jens Pulver. Urijah admitted that it would be the biggest fight of his career and described Jens as "dangerous and fairly well rounded." He then went on to say "I've had guys that are dangerous and I've had guys that are well rounded, but he's a combination of both. I'm in the same boat, I'm dangerous and well rounded so that's what makes for a good fight."

Urijah was then asked about how successful the show is from a promotional standpoint. Urijah said that it will certainly be the biggest crowd he's ever fought in front of. "I think it's going to be an incredible atmosphere…Zuffa does a great job and I've always been a guy that's lucky because people find me entertaining and interesting. I put my heart and soul into it and I think it reflects in my performances."

The talk then shifted to what might come next after the fight with Pulver and whether Urijah would entertain a change in weight classes. "I've had talks about going up to 155 and I've had talks about going down to 135. If it's a super fight and for the right money I'll fight anybody. Right now I'm taking it one fight at a time and there are still a lot of challengers out there at 145."

Next Urijah was asked about one super fight possibility in particular, a fight between himself and Kid Yamamoto. "I think it's something that can happen. I hear he's at 135 now. I would have no problem dropping down to 135 to fight the big fights down there. That's a fight that everyone wants to see and I'd love to make it happen." Urijah admitted that the fight would likely have to take place in Japan, "but I would hope not because I've seen some shady stuff happen there." After Dickerman suggested an American referee as a compromise to having the fight in Japan Urijah jokingly responded that "he'd probably get killed if I won."

Urijah was then asked about his generally low key personality and whether Zuffa ever suggests that he add a little something to a fight by talking some trash. Urijah said that he doesn't really get pressured to do that and explained that "I'm not one to be nice all the time. If somebody pisses me off then I'll say it. I'm not one to sugar coat things. If I think they're a good fighter I'll say it, if I think they're a bad fighter I'll say it. I think the hype for this fight isn't about who can talk the most crap, but about who's the best man and that's why people are going to tune in and watch."

The interview concluded with Urijah talking about whether he would have preferred this fight to have taken place on pay per view or on free TV. "It depends on how you look at it. From a money standpoint for me it would probably be better if it were on pay per view, but as far as exposure for my future it's good that it's on live TV. So it's a win-win either way."

To listen to the entire Urijah Faber interview, including how he has remained grounded with his new found fame and why the WEC seems to always be able to put on such great shows, as well as the entire May 13th edition of Between The Ropes in streaming audio, visit the show online at http://www.BetweenTheRopes.com. In addition to listening to this weeks show with Urijah Faber you can become a site member and access hundreds of previous Between The Ropes shows and interviews. Join us for Between The Ropes for two hours every Tuesday night at 6:00pm ET on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060 and worldwide on BetweenTheRopes.com.