Faber:
"It was super unexpected to have Dana call me and offer me the opportunity to step in and fight for the UFC world championship. When you get an opportunity you take it, and that's what I did. I stay in shape, I feel good all the time, so it didn't take me long before I said 'all right, man, let's do it'. I'm going to step in and take that belt. After that fight with Barao, I had to change my attitude. I couldn't think about the missed opportunities and I had to get back to understanding how lucky I am to be in a situation that I am. I got back to that mentality, and the result was 2013. There's no doubt in my mind that this is the best fighter I've ever been. I feel like I'm in tip top physical shape. The difference in this fight is my mentality. I'm learning new things constantly trying to get better. I'm just enjoying where I'm at, ready to seize. It means everything to have that belt. If all goes as planned I'll be walking away as the champion and that's what I want."
Barao:
"I felt the adrenaline rush when I knew that I would fight against Faber. In my opinion, I do think I'm the best in the bantamweight division. I think I fought enough to prove it, right? Twice I defended the belt being the interim champion. I describe myself as very aggressive. My objective in a fight is to go for a knock out or a finish at any time. ... Faber is a tough guy, and he showed us just that in the fight. But I was better prepared for it. For sure I consider myself the best bantamweight in the world. Those who doubt me will see it on the 1st. I'm going to knock him out."
See you then!
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