We caught up with current WEC Featherweight champion "The California Kid," Urijah Faber. We caught up with current WEC Featherweight champion "The California Kid," Urijah Faber, during a training session at Legend's Gym in Los Angeles. Faber was preparing for an upcoming title defense, and he explained how he mentally prepares for a fight.

NO. 1 IN THE PRACTICE ROOM
From a wrestling standpoint, a lot of my mental preparation is done in the practice room. I push myself hard and visualize working harder than my opponent, as well as visualizing my offense versus defense.

I always focus on imposing my will on an opponent - executing my game plan and really fighting my fight. A lot of the preparation is mental but part of mental preparation is in knowing that you trained hard enough.

NO. 2 WATCHING TAPES, DVDs OF OPPONENT
I also like to watch footage of my opponents in action. I don't over study them, but I like to get an idea of what their fighting style and intensity are like.

Frequently, you can tell how mentally tough they are and what their strengths and weakness are by watching tapes of them in the ring or cage.

NO. 3 TAKING CARE OF MY BODY
Another part of my mental preparation is going hard up until about a week and-a-half before the fight. I use the last week and-a-half for a lot of drilling, strengthening and technical things.

I also try to let my body heal as much as possible when leading up to a fight. When you're standing across the cage from your opponent, ready to go, it's great to feel as though you're at your best. Having little injuries or being mentally or physically worn out is not something you want to have to deal with. Therefore, I really take care of my body a week and-a-half before, along with eating really well.

NO. 4 FEELING PHYSICALLY PREPARED
I'm not a believer of miraculously rising to the occasion - like in the movies. It's all done in the practice room. I've put years into improving myself both technically and physically so it's not like I need to harness any inner beast.

I'm going to fight just like I practice - at 100% with the intensity to win and finish the fight. If you're not physically putting in the work, you won't be there mentally. Sometimes fighters overlook that and that's why they're not champions.

The Author: Adam Morra is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer.

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Leap of Faith

Urijah Faber Jumped Headfirst Into MMA
By Adam Morra

WEC Featherweight champion Urijah Faber is one of the game's most talented athletes and routinely thought of as being one of its most dedicated. We recently asked the Sacramento native about the types of obstacles he's had to overcome to pursue his life as a pro fighter.

"I would say the main thing to overcome was the lack of comfort and reliability of a steady job. I wasn't always sure when my next paycheck was coming or where it was coming from. On the other hand, I had just spent five years as a student at UC Davis so living a simple, no frills lifestyle was something I was used to."

"A lot of people need to have a plan and stability, and I kind of threw that out the door when I decided to pursue fighting - especially when you consider the state of the industry when I began four years ago. It was unsanctioned in California and wasn't necessarily a great way to make a living so I kind took a leap of faith by following my instincts and my passion.

"I just knew I had to be patient until my efforts paid off. Generally speaking, I haven't had a lot of obstacles to overcome. A lot of what other people might consider negatives, I've pretty much overlooked. I'm lucky enough to have been blessed with things like talent, my positivity and a good family."