FiveKnuckles.com: What was it like fighting Urijah Faber in a twenty-five minute rematch where you were the defending champion?

Mike Brown: I pretty much have the same mentality going into every fight. I'm very basic and I don't change a lot. I want to hit my opponent hard and get him to the ground. That night I was missing him a little bit with my hands. I wasn't hitting him like I wanted to. My corner informed me after the third round that it looked like he had broken his hand. I got a little bit confused because my corner said it was his left hand, but it turned out to be his right. I knew he was hitting me with more elbows, but he was still throwing punches in there even though it was broken. I definitely knew he was hurt, but I couldn't tell exactly what his problem was. I guess it was later revealed that both hands were busted. I just couldn't connect with the finishing power that I was looking for. I was getting the takedowns, but he was doing a good job with his escapes. His wrestling escapes are obviously very good. I didn't want to burn too much energy being that it was a five round fight so I wasn't trying to hold him down too much. When he started to get away, I had to cut him loose. The pace for a five round fight is a little different than a three rounder. I was definitely prepared though. I fought the full five rounds so that speaks for itself, but there's no question that twenty-five minutes is certainly a long time to be fighting.

FiveKnuckles.com: Only one other fighter has been able to beat Urijah Faber and you've done it twice. Does this give you more confidence as your career progresses?

Mike Brown: I'm very content with the way my career has been going. In that second fight with Faber, I think I landed ten or so takedowns. I was definitely controlling the pace of that fight. I'm usually on top in most of my fights and I don't get put on the bottom very often. If I do, I'm right out with a reversal or escape. I figure if a fight goes the distance, the guy on the bottom is going to lose because he's the one getting hit more. It's definitely important to control the pace of the fight. That's what I've been doing and it's been working.

FiveKnuckles.com: Is there anything you will change in preparation for Jose Aldo at WEC 44?

Mike Brown: Aldo is a very accomplished striker. For this fight I've been working my knee and leg kick defense because he's very good at those things. Other than that, I'm just fine tuning my game. I'm trying to enforce my game against him and let him deal with the things I'm good at opposed to the other way around.

FiveKnuckles.com: Jose Aldo is also undefeated with the WEC and has racked up numerous quick finishes. What are you expecting...