Faber's keys to victory

Urijah Faber is by far the most dominant featherweight champion in history. He defended his belt a record 5 times and became the face of the WEC. Even after losing his belt to Mike Brown, Faber remains the promotion's biggest drawl due to his cheerful charismatic personality, gook looks, and electric fighting style. However, he has never fought a man as lethal as Jose Aldo Jr, a man who has not been defeated in 5 years and knocked out his last six opponents. Here are his keys to victory:

1. Survive the first round: Faber MUST survive the first round, especially the first 2-3 minutes, without taking any significant damage. The first 2-3 minutes is when Aldo is the most dangerous because he skips the usual "warming up" or "feeling out" process. Aldo is an offensive genius and attacks his opponents at unexpected times. Faber must remember that any "lull" in the action is a dangerous illusion created by the Brazilian. If Aldo senses an opening he will attack quickly and will not let up. So Faber must stay focused and tight. By tight, I don't mean nervous or stiff. He must keep his hands up and his chin down. Faber has a wide open style that is both brilliant and dangerous. Brilliant in that it spawns a creative striking and scrambling attack that keeps opponents off balance, dangerous in that Faber often leaves himself open in at attempt to be creative.

2. Don't rely on striking! Use wrestling base: Jose Aldo's takedown defense is excellent but Urijah needs to use his wrestling and apply constant pressure with takedown attempts and clinch work. Even if the takedown is stuffed, thats ok. Next time throw a quick combination and shoot for the single leg. If the single leg fails, press Aldo against the cage and drop for a double leg. As long as Aldo is forced to think about defending takedowns Faber has a chance. Faber cannot afford to let the champion get comfortable on his feet. The key to keeping Aldo off balance is to change levels and use angles. Urijah cannot abandon his wrestling and he must understand that most of his takedowns will be stuffed. While reviewing Aldo's footage, I noticed that the lone man to defeat Aldo constantly pressured him with takedowns. Finally, after at least five or six takedowns were blocked, Aldo's opponent succeeded in dragging him to the ground. After a dynamic jiu-jitsu battle, Aldo scummed to a rear naked choke.

3. Use the cage: This point is similar to #2. Open space is Faber's worst enemy in this fight. Aldo needs to either have his back against the cage or his back on the mat. Standing with the Brazilian in open space is suicide even to a striker of Faber's ability.