Issue 060
March 2010
Featherweight superstar Urijah Faber is one of the most famous faces in the WEC. The former champion heads up Team Alpha Male in Sacramento and occasionally steps into the commentary booth to call some of the action packed WEC fights.
Q&A
Where are you right now?
I’ve been recovering from my hand injury; I broke my right hand in two places and dislocated my left thumb. Been proactive on fixing all that stuff, doing physical therapy, hypobaric chamber to help stimulate the healing process and bone growth. Things are feeling good now.
You fought in the biggest WEC event ever in front of 13,000 Sacramento fans. How did you fight for five rounds with two broken hands?
It was really frustrating, I wasn’t able to grapple at all; my most powerful weapon, my right hand, was taken away. I just had to get creative with throwing elbows and knees. I got injured in the first round, the second round was the hardest – after that I just accepted the handicaps and went on from there.
Your fighting style is kind of flashy and pretty risky. Do you ever get told off by your coaches and told to play it simple?
You hear all sorts of stuff, especially after a loss. Guys tend to have some advice about that sort of thing but I’m pretty aware of what I’m doing out there, and although it looks wild it’s something I’m comfortable with. After a fight like the first Brown fight, it tends to remind you that you’re not invincible and to be careful, but I’m not going to change my style and I think it’s evident that I haven’t changed my style even after that fight. I’ll definitely be careful but I have to make sure that I’ll fight my fight.
How do you feel that in MMA, the heavier fighters make more money?
I don’t think it’s because of the weight necessarily, I think the biggest difference is that they’ve had the exposure for a longer amount of time. I’m sure things are going to start evening out in that area and we do pretty well – some of the heavier fighters don’t make as much as some of the lighter fighters, so I think it’s just a matter of time before things even out completely. I’m taken care of – I can definitely always use more money, but I’m doing all right.
What is more nerve racking, getting ready to walk out to the cage or getting into the commentary booth to help call a fight?
I would say the most nerve racking is having somebody you care about fight. Being in the corner for another fighter, you have no control and you’re emotionally invested. That’s the biggest nerve racking part – watching your buddies.
Is there any division more exciting than the WEC featherweights?
I would say we’re the most exciting division; 135lb fighters are also really exciting. There are some individuals in all weight divisions that are exciting, there just happens to be a ton of them at 145lb. There aren’t many pro opportunities for athletes of our size so we see a ton of great talent in our sport at that weight.
Do you think the UFC would ever create a 145lb division?
The UFC did and called it the WEC! [Laughs] I guess it would just have to be up to the owners. I don’t think they’d compete, they’ve talked about combining but the WEC is doing great and I think they’re going to keep it the way it is for now.
What memory in your MMA career sticks out more than any other?
The first Jen Pulver fight was a real neat one for me: the first time in a huge arena, in my hometown, fighting someone I held in high regard. It was definitely a cool fight for me. Also my third fight – my first title fight in the Gladiator Challenge against David Velasquez. That was sort of a benchmark for me. Those two fights I really enjoyed, went the distance and I got to show my skills.
How do you want to be remembered as a fighter?
Just someone that leaves it all out there and fights with passion. That’s kind of my trademark – being creative and explosive and having fun.
