Urijah Faber
UFC Interim Featherweight Champion, MMA Hall of Famer, legendary mixed martial artist
Urijah Faber (born May 14, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history. With a career spanning from 2001 to 2018, Faber became the undisputed WEC Featherweight Champion before the organization merged with the UFC, and he subsequently won the UFC Interim Featherweight Championship. Known for his exceptional striking, elite wrestling, and high-paced fighting style, Faber competed successfully across multiple weight classes and faced some of the sport's greatest champions. He was the founder and owner of Alliance MMA, one of the sport's most prestigious training camps. Faber's rivalry with Dominick Cruz became one of MMA's most compelling, spanning multiple fights over several years. Beyond fighting, he has been an advocate for fighter safety and fair treatment within the sport. His technical prowess, longevity, and competitive spirit made him a beloved figure in MMA, and he was inducted into the International MMA Federation Hall of Fame. Faber's legacy extends beyond his championship belts—he helped elevate the featherweight division and inspired countless fighters to pursue careers in mixed martial arts.
Athlete
American
1983
Thinking about the name
Urijah
Hebrew origin
“A variant spelling of Uriah emphasizing the two-syllable biblical pronunciation, Urijah carries the Hebrew meaning 'God is my light' with strong biblical heritage. This form has gained contemporary visibility through athletes and modern parents seeking recognizable-yet-distinctive biblical names.”