Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life of Urijah Faber: his journey from wrestling to MMA legend, founding Team Alpha Male, his philosophy, legacy, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Urijah Christopher Faber (born May 14, 1979) is an American mixed martial artist, coach, and entrepreneur. Known as “The California Kid,” he is regarded as one of the pioneers who helped bring legitimacy to lighter weight divisions in MMA. Beyond his fighting career, Faber founded Team Alpha Male, a renowned training camp that has produced multiple top fighters. His resilience, passion, and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Early Life and Family

Faber was born on May 14, 1979 in Isla Vista, California, to parents Theo and Suzanne Faber.

His lineage includes Dutch ancestry on his father’s side, and Italian, English, and Irish heritage on his mother’s side.

Growing up, he engaged in wrestling in school—a foundational discipline that would later define much of his fighting style.

Education & Athletic Roots

Faber wrestled competitively through his youth and in college. He enrolled at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development. NCAA national wrestling tournament in 2001 and 2002.

His wrestling base would become a core strength as he transitioned into mixed martial arts.

MMA Career & Achievements

Early Professional Years

• Faber made his MMA debut on November 12, 2003 in the Gladiator Challenge promotion, winning via guillotine choke.

• He quickly gained momentum, competing also in King of the Cage (KOTC), where he won the bantamweight title.

WEC Era & Featherweight Title

• In 2006, Faber competed in WEC and defeated Cole Escovedo to become WEC Featherweight Champion.

• He defended the title multiple times, establishing himself as one of the top featherweights of that era.

• He lost the title to Mike Brown at WEC 36 in November 2008.

Transition to UFC & Title Challenges

• With the merger of WEC into UFC in 2010, Faber moved into the UFC’s bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

• He made his UFC debut on March 19, 2011, defeating Eddie Wineland by unanimous decision.

• Throughout his UFC tenure, Faber challenged for the UFC Bantamweight Championship three times, including against Renan Barão and Dominick Cruz.

• He earned numerous performance honors, such as Fight of the Night vs. Cruz and Submission of the Night wins.

Retirement, Comeback & Later Years

• Faber officially retired on July 6, 2017, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame (Modern wing).

• In 2019, he made a comeback and defeated Ricky Simón via first-round TKO, becoming one of the few fighters to win a UFC match after being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

• His later bouts include a loss to Petr Yan at UFC 245.

• As of early 2025, he was removed from the UFC roster, effectively concluding his active fighting career.

Team Alpha Male

Faber founded Team Alpha Male in 2004 in Sacramento, California. Cody Garbrandt, T.J. Dillashaw, and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Under Faber’s leadership, Team Alpha Male contributed to shaping a generation of fighters and serving as a hub for innovation in training methods for small-weight divisions.

Style, Persona & Characteristics

Fighting Style & Strengths

• Faber’s base in high-level wrestling gives him excellent takedown ability and control.

• He also developed strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, often securing submission victories.

• He was effective in both striking and grappling, capable of adapting mid-fight.

• Faber was known for his durability, heart, and willingness to engage in exciting, high-action fights rather than overly conservative ones.

Persona & Influence

• Nicknamed “The California Kid,” he embodied a spirited, approachable fighting persona.

• He is celebrated as a mentor and leader, especially for the next generation via Team Alpha Male.

• Even in retirement or semi-active phases, his presence, commentary, coaching, and business ventures keep him influential in the MMA world.

Famous Quotes & Sayings

Here are some notable quotes attributed to Urijah Faber, reflecting his mindset, philosophy, and approach:

“Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.” “The fact that I get to live a life of passion where I’m doing only things that I love in this world and help people along the way. Life’s good. I always remind myself of that.” “I’m habitually positive. I try not to use anger as motivation.” “I want to be the most exciting fighter out there.” “As far as fighting, I just love to fight and enjoy my life more because of that … I am following my passion and that’s what it’s about for me.” “The most important thing in a fighter is his mentality. Do you really believe that you’re the baddest dude on the planet?”

These quotes highlight his emphasis on passion, mindset, positivity, and self-belief.

Lessons from Urijah Faber

1. Build from a strong foundation
   His wrestling roots formed the bedrock for his MMA success—skills often transferable across disciplines.

2. Passion matters more than fame
   He has repeatedly stated that he fights because he loves it, not for fame or money.

3. Mentorship extends impact
   By founding Team Alpha Male, he multiplied his legacy through teaching and guiding others.

4. Adaptability keeps you relevant
   Faber transitioned between weight classes, from fighter to coach and back to fighter again.

5. Mindset is as important as skill
   His quotes and demeanor show how mental approach shapes performance under pressure.

6. Legacy is about more than wins
   His influence on MMA’s growth, especially in lower weight classes, equals or exceeds his fight record in terms of long-term effect.

Legacy & Influence

• Faber is widely regarded as a trailblazer for lighter-weight MMA divisions, proving that smaller fighters can deliver exciting, high-level performances.

• His induction into the UFC Hall of Fame affirms his contributions to the sport.

• Through Team Alpha Male, he has shaped numerous champions and contenders, leaving a coaching legacy spanning generations.

• His perseverance, comeback, and public persona serve as a model for fighters balancing passion, competition, and life transitions.

Conclusion

Urijah Faber’s journey is more than a succession of fights—it is a narrative of passion, leadership, and impact. From his roots as a wrestler to a champion in WEC and competitor in UFC, to a mentor who builds up others, his story offers rich lessons in mindset, resilience, and legacy.