- Urijah Faber made his way back to a USA freestyle wrestling tournament after years of semi-retirement from combat sports
- Faber’s very own combat promotion A1 will debut this Sunday on UFC Fight Pass
UFC legend Urijah Faber returned to competition much to the amazement of everyone as he participated in a freestyle wrestling tournament.
Having retired from the sport of mixed martial arts in 2016, Faber did not compete for a period of three years till 2019. After an unsuccessful effort in his most recent outing against Petr Yan at UFC 245, he chose to be on the sidelines again as a competitive MMA fighter.
Reportedly still in the pool of USADA tested athletes, Faber made a comeback to the competition but it did not happen in MMA.
Urijah Faber wins runner-up at surprise return to wrestling
At the 2022 Master Nationals, a US-based freestyle wrestling tournament, Urijah Faber shocked the audience as he came back to fight in the contest. Representing Mad Cow Wrestling Club at the event, ‘The California Kid’ concluded his run in the series with a semifinal match victory via a takedown for a score of 8-0 at Veterans Nationals.
Speaking to USA Wrestling following the games, Urijah Faber shared his thoughts on a splendid return to wrestling after years of inactivity.
“What a great experience, you know,” Faber said. “I obviously haven’t been in the wrestling game a long time, but my conditioning and mentality is there.
“It was great to go against the guy at that level, he obviously takes it seriously. Very dedicated. So I’m glad. The hard work for him paid off.”
“I had a great time, I was able to dig deep I think representative for my guys, and had a good time,” said Faber. “And I love wrestling. I hope hopefully brought some more attention here. Yeah.
“Anyways, all my guys were coming out. So I said, Hey, let me get in there and, and mix it up. So I really had a great time. And, you know, go back to the second place in the Nationals. It’s my first time in 20 years, it’s not too bad.”
Faber’s promotion A1 Combat debuts this Sunday
As a fighter, coach, entrepreneur, and leader of Team Alpha Male, Urijah Faber is known as a renaissance man. Now, he’s taken another leap forward towards his passion in the role of an MMA promoter.
Hailing from Sacramento, California, Faber is largely credited for putting Northern California on the map. There was a time when the biggest promotions would regularly visit the Bay. Regional NorCal shows were stacked to the brim with sold-out shows.
While the sport’s growth in the area was put to a halt, Faber continued to give back to the community that is still very well known for producing talent.
The flyweight title is on the line this Sunday at @UrijahFaber's A1 Combat!
Don't miss the @A1combat debut on FIGHT PASS! pic.twitter.com/LWwy6tVPek
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 27, 2022
Urijah Faber’s promotion, A1 Combat, will debut this Sunday featuring a flyweight title match between Jesse Tafoya and Jack Duffy on UFC Fight Pass.
