The California Kid: A Sherdog Retrospective

Urijah Faber was one of a kind. “The California Kid” was there when the sport of mixed martial arts went from crawling to walking to running, his remarkable career spanning more than 13 years and six organizations. He captured titles in King of the Cage and World Extreme Cagefighting, helping bring the latter to global prominence as an energetic bundle of chiseled muscles, cornrows and charisma on the Versus network. Faber joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship as part of the WEC merger in 2011 and went 10-6 inside the Octagon — a run that included two “Submission of the Night” awards and a “Fight of the Night” bonus. Outside the cage, he founded a Team Alpha Male camp that was ahead of its time and served as a launching pad for fighters like T.J. Dillashaw, Joseph Benavidez, Chad Mendes, Paige VanZant and Cody Garbrandt. Faber on Dec. 17 exited the stage as a competitor for the final time at UFC on Fox 22, where, fittingly in his hometown of Sacramento, California, he recorded a unanimous decision over Brad Pickett. The 37-year-old departs with a 34-10 record and 26 finishes to his name, a hall-of-fame nod undoubtedly in his future.As Faber turns the page in retirement, Sherdog.com staff members and contributors weigh in on their most vivid memories, reflections and appraisals of the Isla Vista, California, native’s trials, triumphs and importance to MMA:* * * Tristen Critchfield: Faber was the impetus behind the rise of lighter-weight fighters in World Extreme Cagefighting before the now-defunct promotion merged with the UFC at the beginning of 2011. While the likes of Dominick Cruz and Demetrious Johnson were more skilled competitors, Faber lifted the WEC as its featherweight champion and then managed to remain relevant throughout his UFC tenure despite consistently coming up short in title bouts; and yet, the fact that he continued to find himself in those high-profile fights is a testament to his staying power. Faber was a world-class fighter, a marketable star and a savvy businessman. Right up until his swan song against Brad Pickett at UFC on Fox 22, “The California Kid” was able to beat all but the very top of his division. In the meantime, he built Team Alpha Male, a camp that has survived highly publicized defections and controversy and, like Faber, remains relevant in the current climate, with rising star Cody Garbrandt challenging longtime Faber foil Cruz for featherweight gold at UFC 207. Faber was never going to be one to outstay his welcome. While his skill set in the Octagon was not always the most evolved, it was largely effective. However, his being able to think two steps ahead outside of the cage might be his greatest attribute. “It’s a great way to go out this way and go out on my terms,” he said at the UFC on Fox 22 post-fight press conference. “Part of the reason why I’m doing this is because I’m able-bodied and able-minded. I’ve been a world champion and a top contender and a poster boy for the organization for years [but] it’s a tough way to make a living. I can go on for another 10 years, but I’m choosing to wrap it up and head wherever I’m headed next.” Just where is Faber headed next? He will probably be moving in multiple directions in his post-fighting career, but one destination should be a lock: the UFC Hall of Fame.* * * Todd Martin: When I think back on Urijah Faber’s career, my mind tends to gravitate towards his time as WEC featherweight champion. This was the peak of his success in the cage, as he defended his title five times and staked his claim as the best 145-pound fighter in the world. More importantly, Faber was a pioneer for the lighter weight classes, and this was the period when he most felt like a pioneer. Faber would compete in front of sold-out arenas in the years to come, but those early days of the Zuffa-controlled WEC were when Faber led the way in establishing on …

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