Urijah Faber lost his title in late 2008, but he's back with a vengeance and ready to take what he says is his. "No way, Jose" has been his rallying cry as he preps to enter the cage against current titleholder Jose Aldo, but before the pugilists go at it, the California Kid took some time out to answer some of our burning questions.
Do you have a favorite position to dominate an opponent?
It depends on the opponent, but I try to find an opponent's least comfortable position. Sometimes it's standing or on the ground, but a lot of finishes are with chokes, rear naked chokes, front chokes and the like. Things like that would be my go-to moves.
We have our Hot 100 list coming up: Who would be in your Top 5?
Oh, jeez, I dont know. I have been in my own little world lately, so I dont even know most of the names of the chicks I like. I would have to point them out in pictures. I can't even think of one girl right now. [Laughs] I like girls that are like me in the cage: well-rounded.
If you needed to cut weight, and there was no other way to do it prior to a weigh in, would you cut off a finger?
I'd probably shave the body hair first: Start with my head and go from there. I don't think I would cut a finger off. I guess if I had to let something go, I'd let go of a toe before a finger.
What is your favorite food to bulk up after weighing in?
After the WEC 48 weigh-ins, I had Thai food, chicken and vegetables with rice. I also had some coconut, like straight out of the coconut. I had an AMP Energy drink and a Powerbar. I'm going to have dinner after that.
What was your parents' reaction to fighting in MMA?
My mom used to really not like it at all. She has come to grips with it, it's been 7 years now. I was an adult when I had started and there was nothing she could do to stop me. She has been supportive. My dad has been there for all of my fights and he loves it. My stepdad has sided with my mom, so they have not been to a fight yet. They watch it afterwards and they know what happens, so they don't have to freak out the whole time.
Would you fight someone that hadn't showered and what would you do if they didn't?
I would fight someone who hadn't showered if I was getting paid—it's my job. I would try to get over with it as fast as possible though, that's for sure.