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Urijah Faber

Urijah Christopher Faber is an American former professional mixed martial artist best known for competing in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Urijah Christopher Faber is an American former professional mixed martial artist best known for competing in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. He is a former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) featherweight champion and later became a longtime UFC contender, helping raise the profile of lighter weight classes in mixed martial arts.

Early life and background

Faber was born in Isla Vista, California, and later became associated with Sacramento, where he trained and fought out of Team Alpha Male. He had a collegiate wrestling background before turning to mixed martial arts.

Professional MMA career

He began his professional MMA career in 2003 and built an early reputation in regional promotions before winning the WEC featherweight title in 2006. He later moved to the UFC, where he became one of the sport’s most recognizable lighter-weight fighters.

Championship fights and titles

Faber won the WEC featherweight championship in 2006 after defeating Cole Escovedo. He later challenged for the UFC bantamweight title multiple times but did not win the belt, losing to top opponents including Dominick Cruz and Renan Barão.

Retirement and legacy

Faber retired in 2017, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the Modern-era wing, and returned to competition in 2019. He is widely described as one of the fighters who helped legitimize lighter-weight MMA divisions.

Key facts

  • Held the WEC featherweight championship after defeating Cole Escovedo in 2006.
  • Challenged for the UFC bantamweight title multiple times but did not win the belt.
  • Competed professionally from 2003 through at least 2019, with a UFC return after an earlier retirement.
  • Was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the Modern-era wing after his 2017 retirement.
  • Is widely described as one of the fighters who helped legitimize lighter-weight MMA divisions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Urijah Faber?
Urijah Faber is an American former professional MMA fighter known for his runs in the WEC and UFC, especially in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions.
What is Urijah Faber’s nickname?
His nickname is "The California Kid."
Did Urijah Faber win a UFC title?
No. He challenged for UFC bantamweight titles several times but did not win one.
What title did Urijah Faber win?
He won the WEC featherweight championship in 2006.
What is Urijah Faber’s professional record?
His listed professional record is 35 wins and 11 losses.
Why is Urijah Faber notable in MMA history?
He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers who helped establish legitimacy for lighter-weight MMA divisions.

References

  1. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/urijah-faber
    Supports: Nickname, division, record, and career status.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335682/urijah-faber
    Supports: Birthdate, nationality, team, stance, reach, and division.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urijah_Faber
    Supports: Career milestones, retirement, Hall of Fame induction, title challenges, and legacy.
  4. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/news/faber-sees-final-fight-start-not-finish
    Supports: Career background, college wrestling, first pro fight, and importance to MMA popularity.
  5. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/urijah-faber-the-california-kid
    Supports: Full name, birthplace, fighting out of, affiliation, height, reach, and record.
  6. Sactown Magazine — https://www.sactownmag.com/ring-leader/
    Supports: Sacramento ties, early professional career, and WEC title context.