Force of Nature

When Hurricane Ike threatened South Florida in early September, event organizers acted fast to reschedule the highly-anticipated World Extreme Cagefighting match between Featherweight champion Urijah Faber and number-one contender Mike Brown. It was a damn shame — not only because Ike ended up skirting by Florida completely, but also because local MMA fans missed out on the opportunity to see two world-class fighters at the top of their game duke it out. (Instead, they had to settle for the debacle that was EliteXC's Kimbo Slice fight.) But there's good news: The contest is rescheduled, finally taking place today at 5:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Live (5747 Seminole Way, Hollywood).

So will the match be worth the wait? Resoundingly, yes. Little needs to be said about Urijah "The California Kid" Faber, whose 13-win streak stretches back to 2005. He's a gifted wrestler with a furious stand-up game and near-flawless submissions. Mike Brown, however, is a bit of an X-factor. The New England native trains with the venerable fight school American Top Team based in Coconut Creek. He has incredible speed and a knack for brutalizing his opponents with slams and fists alike. And although Faber is favored to win, Brown has the skills to punish the champ should he underestimate him.

New Times spoke to Brown in September, who told us he'll look to impose his game on Faber early and often. “I’m going to push forward and dominate the takedowns and strike hard,” Brown says. “I don’t look to score points with strikes, I look to do damage and get on top.” One thing's for sure: this local boy will have the home crowd on his side. Tickets for the bout start at $50, and include a killer under card featuring Paulo Filho, Chael Sonnen, and Jens Pulver. Call 954-797-5531, or visit ticketmaster.com.
Wed., Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m., 2008