Urijah Faber Net Worth

Urijah Faber: Net Worth, Career Earnings, and MMA Legacy

Introduction: The California Kid

Urijah “The California Kid” Faber is a highly respected figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for his exciting fighting style, impressive wrestling background, and contributions to the lighter weight classes, Faber has built a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics. This article delves into Faber’s net worth, career earnings, early life, and illustrious MMA journey, exploring his key achievements, rivalries, and lasting impact on the sport.

Early Life and Wrestling Background

Urijah Christopher Faber was born on May 14, 1979, in Isla Vista, California. His diverse heritage, including Dutch, Italian, English, and Irish roots, reflects the melting pot of American society. Faber’s athletic journey began long before his MMA career. He excelled in wrestling, laying the foundation for his future success. He attended the University of California, where he qualified for the NCAA tournament twice, showcasing his dedication and skill. Faber earned a Bachelor’s degree in human development, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth alongside his athletic pursuits. This wrestling background proved critical in his MMA career, providing him with a strong base for takedowns, grappling, and controlling opponents.

MMA Career: Gladiator Challenge and WEC Dominance

Faber’s professional MMA career began in 2003 with the Gladiator Challenge promotion. He quickly made a name for himself, winning his debut fight by guillotine choke. His early success continued, establishing him as a promising prospect. In 2005, he experienced his first professional loss, but he quickly rebounded with a series of wins. Faber then moved to World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where his career truly took off. In 2006, he captured the WEC Featherweight Championship by defeating Cole Escovedo. He later added the Gladiator Challenge Bantamweight Championship to his collection, demonstrating his versatility and skill across multiple weight classes. At one point, he simultaneously held three different titles, including one from King of the Cage. Faber successfully defended his WEC title multiple times, including a victory over Joe Pearson, solidifying his status as a dominant champion. One of his most significant early victories came against Dominick Cruz, a pivotal moment in his career.

However, Faber lost his title to Mike Brown in 2008, which marked a turning point in his WEC run. Despite the setback, Faber remained a top contender, avenging his loss to Jens Pulver in 2009. He sought a rematch with Mike Brown, but Brown once again defeated him. A broken hand and dislocated thumb sustained during the fight limited his ability to utilize his full arsenal, but his determination remained unwavering. Faber moved up to fight Jose Aldo for the WEC Featherweight Championship in 2010 but lost by unanimous decision after a barrage of strikes. This marked the end of his featherweight run in WEC.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Faber’s move to the bantamweight division proved to be a strategic decision, setting the stage for a new chapter in his career. He fought Takeya Mizugaki in his last WEC fight, winning with a rear-naked choke. This victory paved the way for his transition to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Transition to the UFC and Bantamweight Battles

With the WEC and UFC merger, Faber joined the UFC, where he continued to make a significant impact in the bantamweight division. His UFC debut saw him defeat Eddie Wineland in a closely contested bout that went to a unanimous decision. A highly anticipated rematch with Dominick Cruz took place in 2011, with Cruz earning the victory. Faber’s resilience was evident as he bounced back with a win against Brian Bowles, setting up potential title opportunities.

Rivalries, Title Fights, and The Ultimate Fighter

Throughout his career, Faber was known for his exciting rivalries, most notably with Dominick Cruz. Their two previous encounters, one in the WEC and another in the UFC, were highly anticipated. The rivalry escalated when both fighters became coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter: Live.” A third fight between Faber and Cruz was scheduled but was ultimately canceled due to an injury to Cruz. Faber instead fought Renan Barão, resulting in a loss due to a broken rib in the first round. Faber continued to face top contenders in the bantamweight division, securing victories over fighters like Ivan Menjivar, Scott Jorgensen, Iuri Alcântara, and Michael McDonald. He lost a second fight to Renan Barao in 2014 due to a TKO. His loss to Frankie Edgar in a featherweight bout marked his first non-title fight defeat. Following this he would take a victory over Frankie Saenz, but further losses followed against Dominick Cruz and Jimmie Rivera before his first retirement in 2017.

Faber announced his retirement in 2017 after a long and successful career. However, he later returned to the UFC, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.

Retirement, Return, and Legacy

After two and a half years, Faber returned to the UFC with a victory against Ricky Simón and signed a new contract with the UFC. His final fight, which was against Petr Yan in 2019, ended in a knockout loss. Urijah Faber’s legacy in MMA is significant. He is considered a pioneer of the lighter weight classes, helping to bring them into the spotlight and gaining more respect in the sport. He has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Urijah Faber’s Net Worth

Urijah Faber’s net worth is estimated to be $9 million. This figure reflects his earnings from his successful MMA career, sponsorships, and other business ventures. Faber has also proven to be a savvy businessman outside of the cage, with ventures that have contributed to his financial success.

Conclusion

Urijah Faber’s career is a testament to skill, perseverance, and dedication. His impact on the sport is undeniable, and he remains a fan favorite. Faber’s net worth reflects his hard work and achievements both inside and outside the octagon, cementing his place as one of the most significant figures in MMA history.