Urijah Faber still hungry for more

The latest season of the Ultimate Fighter has brought together two of the most polar opposite fighters as coaches of their respected teams. For every boisterous claim Conor McGregor makes, his opposing coach Urijah Faber is every bit calm and relaxed. The difference in personalities and the international talent facing each other for a chance at a UFC contract makes this season one to watch.

While the usual format of the show sees the two coaches facing each other at the end of the season, this time things are different. Faber who is a bantamweight will meet Frankie Saenz at UFC 194 where on the same card McGregor will headline versus Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight title.

For Faber the opportunity to stay busy on such a big card keeps him motivated. The former WEC champion still wants the opportunity to fight for UFC gold again but knows that challengers are cautious of facing him.

“That’s been the case with my career. We did have some other guys that backed out of the fight for whatever reason. I heard it was supposed to be Caraway and I headlining the TUF Finale and he didn’t take the fight,” said Faber.

While Saenz may be unknown to most fans, his 11-2 record must be respected and he is on a three fight win streak in the octagon.

“This guy stepped up and I can appreciate that. For me I treat everyone like an equal. Whether they’re a fighter or someone on the street, whatever it is and I’m going to take this guy very seriously. It’s a big opportunity for him and it’s a big opportunity for me,” said Faber.

At the age of 35 most would think that Faber would be burned out from the sport having competed so many years. The reality is that he feels the young talent around his Team Alpha Male gym keep him fresh and motivated. He uses their energy and talents as a measuring stick of what he still has in his body to offer the sport.

“I think I’ll probably know inside. I’ve got great genetics, thanks to mom and dad. I have a lot of different interests. I feel great and I test myself with guys like Cody Garbrandt and Chad Mendes and TJ Dillashaw and Joseph Benevidez and Chris Holdsworth. You only get to live once, you only get to be a competitor once and I like that,” said Faber.

So with all that said one thing is evident, Faber still loves competing at the highest level and the chance to coach again McGregor was a motivating factor. He has his own opinions of the Irish fighter with talk of changes to the IV rehydration ban taking place and how it would affect weight.

“There is a lot at stake with these titles. I guy like Conor McGregor is bigger than everyone in the weight class. That’s a huge advantage when you’re defending takedowns and things like that. He goes up to 155 pounds and all of a sudden he’s fighting Donald (Cerrone) who is longer and is a good striker also and has a bunch of submissions. That’s a big advantage being able to cut weight like that,” said Faber.

While he has opinion on how the IV ban will have an effect on McGregor, Faber is quick to defend strict drug testing policies. Something he feels will prolong his career.

“One advantage that will let me stay in this game longer and be competitive is that they are doing these drug tests. I’ve never done anything. I always assumed that people weren’t doing stuff because I wasn’t doing stuff,” said Faber.

When told that McGregor was in favor of more testing for recreational drugs, Faber made light of that with a laugh as he commented to the room.

“He didn’t think that, he was like aw shucks. They’re testing us? Dang it,” said Faber.

One thing is clear both coaches will entertain fans every episode of TUF and will be ready to fight come UFC 194. Fans can tune in every Wednesday night to The Ultimate Fighter on FS1 and UFC 194 takes place December 12 from Las Vegas, Nevada and will be live on pay-per-view.