Urijah Faber is a legendary mixed martial artist, who’s had a career filled with ups and downs, retirements, and comebacks.
Faber retired in 2016 after defeating Brad Pickett in Sacramento.
Later on, Faber was rightfully inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the Modern-era wing.
However, the competitive spirit in him did not fade, and he made an impressive comeback in 2019, defeating Ricky Simón by first-round TKO.
But Faber lost his next fight to future champion, Petr Yan, and hasn’t fought since.
Faber has expressed interest in another comeback, entertaining the idea of re-entering the Octagon for the right fight.
But it seems unlikely he’ll return as he’s been very busy with multiple other ventures that we’ll review in this article all about what happened to Urijah Faber.
Early Life
Urijah Faber was born on May 14, 1979, in Isla Vista, California.
Growing up, Urijah displayed a natural affinity for sports, particularly wrestling.
He pursued his passion for wrestling throughout high school and college.
Eventually, Faber transitioned from wrestling to MMA, where he found significant success.
As he developed his skills in MMA, he earned the nickname “The California Kid.”
This early passion and dedication to sports laid the foundation for Faber’s successful and storied career in MMA.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
WEC Champion
Urijah Faber started his MMA career in 2003.
He quickly rose in the ranks and became one of the most dominant fighters in the sport.
In 2006, Faber joined the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organization and captured the WEC Featherweight Championship by defeating Cole Escovedo.
During his reign as champion, he successfully defended his title five times against top contenders such as Dominick Cruz, Jens Pulver, and Jeff Curran.
Faber’s exceptional performances in the WEC helped build his reputation as one of the best mixed martial artists in the world.
UFC Career
In 2010, WEC merged with the UFC, and Faber transitioned to the latter organization as a bantamweight fighter.
Over the years, Faber fought in several high-profile matchups, including title fights against Renan Barão and Dominick Cruz.
Although he came up short in his pursuit of the coveted UFC Bantamweight Championship, his tenacity, athleticism, and fighting spirit made him a fan favorite.
During his time in the UFC, “The California Kid” was also instrumental in developing and nurturing rising talents at his gym, Team Alpha Male.
As a team leader, he played a vital role in shaping the careers of numerous fighters, such as TJ Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt, Chad Mendes, and Joseph Benavidez.
Is Urijah Faber retired?
In 2016, after delivering an impressive performance in his farewell fight against Brad Pickett, Urijah Faber announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.
Faber’s decision to retire allowed him to focus on his various business ventures, such as his clothing brand Torque and Team Alpha Male, as well as his blossoming acting career.
However, Faber’s retirement didn’t last long. In 2019, at the age of 40, he made a spectacular comeback by defeating Ricky Simon in his return fight.
This victory rekindled interest in his fighting career and left many wondering about Urijah Faber’s next fight.
It would be against future champion, Petr Yan. Faber would end up losing that fight via KO and hasn’t fought since 2019.
His lust for competition hasn’t faded though, as he’s competed in both Wrestling and Combat Jiu-Jitsu over the last few years.
Whether Faber decides to continue fighting or fully retire, his impact on the sport of mixed martial arts will not be soon forgotten.
Team Alpha Male
Team Alpha Male is a renowned mixed martial arts training camp founded by Urijah Faber.
Located in Sacramento, California, the team is known for producing successful fighters competing at the highest level in the UFC.
Some of the notable UFC fighters who have been part of Team Alpha Male include Cody Garbrandt, Joseph Benavidez, Chad Mendes, Paige VanZant, and Darren Elkins.
The team has managed to stay at the top of the MMA world thanks to its strong coaching staff and mutual support among its members.
Over the years, there were some conflicts within the team, such as the tension between Urijah Faber and coach Duane Ludwig.
However, Ludwig has since apologized to Faber and both parties have moved past the drama.
Team Alpha Male is a powerhouse in the world of MMA, with a strong roster of UFC fighters, skilled coaches, and a collaborative training environment.
Urijah Faber’s leadership and vision have cemented the team’s reputation as a dominant force in the sport.
Personal Life
In recent years, Faber has shifted his focus towards settling down with his family.
He maintains a balance between his personal life and his career as a businessman and coach.
Urijah is in a committed relationship and has a daughter and a son together with his partner.
He spends quality time with his family members and shares glimpses of their life on social media.
As a partial owner of 10 different businesses, Faber has also been successful outside the octagon, showing other fighters there is a potential for a lucrative career beyond fighting.
Legacy and Impact
Faber has had a significant impact on the sport, particularly for smaller fighters.
He played a crucial role in changing the perception of smaller fighters and demonstrating their potential in the MMA world.
Faber’s success in the WEC, where he was the world champion at 145 pounds, made him a trailblazer for athletes in lower-weight categories.
He was able to achieve a level of fame and recognition rare for non-UFC fighters at the time.
Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Faber has also made a substantial impact as a coach and mentor to many young MMA fighters.
Urijah Faber’s legacy transcends just his wins and losses, extending to his influence on the sport, his role as a coach, and his success in business.
