Mike Thomas Brown was on top of the MMA world.

The then WEC featherweight champion was coming off three straight dominating wins, twice versus Urijah Faber and one against Leonard Garcia. Then on Nov. 18 he looked to defend his title against Brazilian phenom Jose Aldo. Six minutes and 20 seconds later, Brown’s title and 10-fight win streak was gone.

Those accustomed to watching Brown fight didn’t witness the same tenacity they had seen in past fights. Although he gives Aldo all the credit in the world, Brown admits he just wasn’t himself that night.

“My head wasn’t in it. I wasn’t there,” Brown said. “I should’ve been more aggressive, but I was pacing myself for five rounds, and just didn’t fight like I usually fight.”

He also says an injury that he suffered six days before the fight affected his performance.

“I got a bad cut that required 18 stitches on my right eye while training with Thiago Alves,” Brown said. “It was on my mind that night. I knew it would open right away. It didn’t affect the fight outcome, but it affected me mentally I think.”

Now just 53 days later Brown is entering the octagon once again taking on Anthony Morrison Sunday, Jan. 10 in Sacramento. Right after the loss to Aldo, the 34-year old Brown knew he only had one option – get back in the gym.

“I can’t relax after a loss like that. It depresses me,” Brown said. “I have to get focused, start winning again, and get after that belt. I’ll take a break if I win, not if I lose.”

Brown didn’t want to fight on that fateful night. He said he didn’t have it in him, but the following day he had the hunger once again and immediately reached for his phone.

“I called WEC president Reed Harris the next day and asked to get back in the octagon right away,” Brown said. “He did me a favor and got me on the card. He moved stuff around to get me on it. I was back in the gym six days later.”

Brown is focused on his fight with Morrison, but his goal now is to get back in there with Aldo and take his title back. The loss hurt, but he knows that moping around isn’t going to help any; being back in the gym, and changing his tactic for next time will.

“I’ll be more aggressive the next time I take on Aldo,” Brown said. “This is the fight game, and you can’t win them all. I’ll be ready the next time around.”