The most significant bouts of a 145lb pioneer who became one of the world’s top coaches.

Yves was a guy I respected for a really long time and when I was coming up, he was kind of on top. It was a good feeling to get the win. It made me realize that I could compete with the best guys in the world and, at that time, it was the biggest payday I had made in my career. It was my 20th

fight and was the first time I’d made more than two grand. They had a favorite fighter contest and I happened to get that also. That was like $50,000. So, in the end, it was $65,000 for that fight.

I bought a house shortly after that.

Urijah Faber WEC 36:

I was relaxed and confident. I trained with American Top Team and we had a strong group of lightweights, so I knew what I was capable of. I thought I was the bigger, better fighter. With all the hype surrounding him, it was one where you could go in relaxed because there’s no pressure on you. Everyone thinks you’re the underdog, but you have the confidence to beat him. I just thought I would be able to impose my will. I felt like I was the stronger grappler, I hit harder and he was going to be trying to stay alive. I had the capability to finish him and I didn’t feel like he really had that with me.

Leonard Garcia WEC 39:

You don’t want to be a one-hit wonder: there’s a lot more prestige in holding the title and defending it. It’s almost like anybody can win just one fight, but to string them together and stand tall and defend the belt multiple times, you really solidify yourself as the true number one. I was coming o the Faber knockout and Leonard was coming o a couple of nice KO wins, but it was just so one-sided from bell to bell. I don’t think he hit me and I dropped him with the second punch I threw.

Urijah Faber WEC 41:

I was surprised at the weigh-ins to hear how intense the booing was. It was like a shower of hate. They were all like, f**k you! They were screaming at me, swearing at me, flipping me off. I expected to be booed a bit, but I didn’t expect it to be that hard, but it kind of motivated me. I liked it. It made you a little angry. It kind of takes the pressure off. Obviously, I’m confident in my abilities, so I liked that. I’m a better, stronger submission grappler. I think I took him down a bunch of times.

I looked to land heavy punches and take them down if the opportunity was there.

José Aldo WEC 44:

José was really athletic; he had good hips. I remember I had a really tight body lock on him and tried to take him down with it. I had a really good hold of him and I thought, wow, he’s got really good hips. He had good balance, good strength. He also had good power. At the time, I couldn’t really put my finger on it. I just felt I wasn’t landing my punches. He was moving well and I wasn’t allowed to put my right hand on him solidly. And then his takedown defense. I guess that was what surprised me most. How good he was even when I did get in on him. Usually when I’m in on a guy, I'm able to finish.