Urijah Faber, nicknamed “The California Kid,” is a retired mixed martial artist with a remarkable career that spans over a decade. He competed at both bantamweight and featherweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, making him a fan favorite for his aggressive fighting style and infectious personality. You might know him from his impressive record inside the octagon, but what many might find surprising is the multifaceted journey of Urijah Faber beyond the world of fighting.
You’ll learn about his rise through the ranks, the foundation of Team Alpha Male, and his entrepreneurial ventures. Get ready to explore the career of “The California Kid.”
Table of Contents:
- Early Days and Gladiator Challenge
- World Extreme Cagefighting and The WEC Featherweight Championship
- Urijah Faber in the UFC and Team Alpha Male
- Retirement, Legacy, and Life After the UFC
- FAQs about Urijah Faber
- Conclusion
Early Days and Gladiator Challenge
Urijah Faber’s love for combat sports started early in life. Born and raised in Isla Vista, California, he wrestled at Lincoln High School and continued to pursue the sport at the University of California, Davis, where he became a two-time NCAA qualifier.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Although wrestling was his first love, Faber found himself drawn to the world of mixed martial arts. His professional MMA career started in 2003 with the Gladiator Challenge promotion, quickly making a name for himself. Dominating his opponents, he secured the Gladiator Challenge Bantamweight Championship and held onto it until joining the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) in 2006.
World Extreme Cagefighting and The WEC Featherweight Championship
Faber’s entry into the WEC marked a turning point in his career. Facing top-ranked fighters in the featherweight division, he displayed a unique blend of striking, wrestling, and submissions that captivated fans.
Becoming a WEC Champion
In his fourth WEC fight, Faber achieved a significant milestone, defeating Cole Escovedo by TKO to win the WEC Featherweight Championship. This victory set the stage for a dominant reign, defending his title five times and cementing his legacy as a legend in the organization.
Urijah Faber in the UFC and Team Alpha Male
Following the WEC’s merger with the UFC in 2010, Urijah Faber continued to showcase his talents on the bigger stage, dropping down to the bantamweight division. This era witnessed incredible battles against notable opponents, such as Dominick Cruz, Renan Barao, and Frankie Edgar.
The Birth of Team Alpha Male
Throughout his journey, Urijah Faber established Team Alpha Male in 2004, a fight team that quickly grew into a renowned training ground for elite MMA fighters. The team became a breeding ground for champions and contenders, producing names like Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez, Cody Garbrandt, and Paige VanZant.
Retirement, Legacy, and Life After the UFC
In 2016, after a win against Brad Pickett at UFC on FOX 22, Faber announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. However, he surprised fans by returning to the UFC for one last fight in 2019, where he secured a first-round TKO victory against Ricky Simon. Faber’s fighting style and undeniable charisma earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying his influence on the sport.
Building The California Dream
Although he stepped back from active competition, Faber never truly left the world of mixed martial arts. Beyond his gym, merchandise, and involvement with A-1 Combat, Faber is a successful entrepreneur involved in ventures such as real estate, start-ups, and lifestyle brands. His passion extends to helping other fighters navigate the business aspects of the sport. He created the California Love Drop-in Center at Ultimate Fitness, a free drop-in center dedicated to youth wrestling.
FAQs about Urijah Faber
Was Urijah Faber ever a champion?
While Urijah Faber held the WEC Featherweight Championship and defended it multiple times, he never became a UFC champion. He competed for the UFC Bantamweight Championship three times but came up short in his title bids against Dominick Cruz and Renan Barao.
Are Conor McGregor and Urijah Faber friends?
Conor McGregor and Urijah Faber shared a somewhat tense relationship. Their rivalry originated during the filming of The Ultimate Fighter 22 in 2015. McGregor, as coach of the European team, engaged in verbal exchanges with Faber, the coach of the US team. The competitive nature of the show added fuel to the rivalry. Despite their history, Faber expressed his admiration for McGregor’s talent and business acumen in later interviews.
What happened to Urijah Faber?
Urijah Faber retired from MMA in 2016 after defeating Brad Pickett but made a brief comeback in 2019. He remains a significant figure in the world of mixed martial arts. He runs Team Alpha Male and A-1 Combat, his fighting promotion.
Who has beaten Urijah Faber?
Urijah Faber’s impressive career was marked by a few notable losses. In the WEC, Mike Brown dethroned him of his featherweight title in 2008. He also suffered a loss to Jose Aldo in a title fight in 2010. During his time in the UFC, Dominick Cruz (twice), Renan Barao (twice), Frankie Edgar, Jimmie Rivera, and Petr Yan all emerged victorious against him. It’s worth noting that his opponents consist of some of the best fighters in MMA history, showing that even in losses, he consistently faced top competition.
Conclusion
Urijah Faber’s journey extends far beyond the octagon. From his humble beginnings as a wrestler in Isla Vista to achieving mixed martial arts stardom, his unwavering dedication and infectious energy leave a mark on anyone who encounters his story. Whether you are a seasoned UFC fan or a young individual discovering the sport, Urijah Faber’s impact on the fighting world continues to inspire. He established Team Alpha Male, and now leads the A-1 Combat promotion while inspiring others through his entrepreneurial ventures. He demonstrates the heart of a fighter goes beyond the cage, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport of mixed martial arts and those involved in it.
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