Ten Questions for Urijah Faber Heading into WEC 52
In just seven days the “California Kid” Urijah Faber will make his Bantamweight debut at WEC 52, which will also be his final appearance as a WEC fighter. With the upcoming merger with the UFC, the former featherweight champion and longtime face of the WEC will be joining the ranks of the UFC.
The merger is something Faber has lobbied for a longtime and fighting on one of the last WEC cards is fitting for the fan favorite with 11 WEC fights, nine of which were title fights.
Faber was kind enough to talk with us regarding the injury that postponed this fight with Takeya Mizugaki, the move down to bantamweight and how the weight cut is going. Faber is very active on twitter; talking with fans and posting several pictures so make sure to follow him.
How is the injury doing?
I’m all healed up and 100%!
What was the reasoning for dropping down to bantamweight?
Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I competed in college at 133 lbs and I want to be a champion at multiple weight classes. It’s always been a goal of mine.
How will the extra 10 lbs be to cut?
I’ve already did a pre-cut to 139.8 and I was hungry but felt fine. I’ve always been great at cutting weight.
Will we see any new tricks from you at 135lbs?
I will be faster and have a size advantage for the first time in my career. I think this will give me the ability to do a lot of new things inside the cage.
Your last 3 fights were in Sacramento, your hometown. Being the California kid, what’s the major difference for you fighting outside Sacramento/California?
There is no difference. I’ve had 27 fights now and I’ve fought in a lot of different places. I know everyone in Cali will be watching on TV which is awesome to feel that support but I’m prepared to fight no matter where.
You had won 13 fights in a row before you lost your belt to Mike Brown and haven’t been able to get another streak going. How has this affected you mentally?
It hasn’t affected me mentally as a negative; it has just made me hungrier.
You’re fighting Takeya Mizugaki at WEC 52, How do you think you match up with him?
I think it’s a great matchup for me. He is a slugger and pretty good at everything but I think I have him outmatched in all areas. I’m excited!
What is the game plan for the fight?
To go in there and exploit his weaknesses. I’m going to have to wait until I am in front of him to know exactly what to do but I’ve got a great camp and have been preparing non-stop for this.
What can fans expect from you on November 11th?
It’s going to be fireworks. I’m going to try to finish him from the opening bell.
You have already fought and defeated the current Bantamweight champ, Dominick Cruz. Do you think a win at WEC 52 gets you a title shot with Cruz?
I don’t make those decisions but being a world champ at 145 for an extended period of time and being the only guy with a win over him makes a pretty good case. I’m excited to see what happens!
Are there any sponsors you’d like to thank?
My clothing company Form Athletics, Amp Energy, K-Swiss Shoes and my managers MMA Incorporated for making big things happen.
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