JRE #225 – Urijah Faber

This podcast explores the life and career of Urijah Faber, a renowned mixed martial artist known for his aggressive fighting style and charisma. Provocative topics include weight cutting, rule changes in MMA, and the complex relationship between fighters and the UFC. Underlying themes delve into the mental and physical demands of professional fighting, the importance of community and support systems, and the ever-evolving nature of MMA.

1. Urijah Faber’s Hippie Childhood and the Path to MMA:

Faber’s early life was steeped in a free-spirited, Christian hippie commune where structure was minimal and self-expression encouraged. This upbringing fostered a sense of independence and a willingness to pursue unconventional paths. His parents’ divorce exposed him to different parenting styles and ultimately led to a focus on his personal growth and development. From an early age, Faber was drawn to martial arts, captivated by boxing and karate films. This interest, combined with his natural athleticism and a desire to prove himself, eventually led him to mixed martial arts.

2. The Mental and Physical Demands of Professional Fighting:

Faber discusses the rigorous training regimen required to stay at the top of the MMA world, emphasizing the importance of a consistent workout routine to maintain both physical and mental fitness. He acknowledges the toll that high-pressure situations can take on the psyche and reflects on his brother’s mental breakdown, highlighting the potential vulnerability of even the toughest fighters. The podcast also delves into the controversial practice of weight cutting, with Faber detailing his own experience of cutting up to 21 pounds to make the 135-pound weight limit. He shares his unique approach to weight cutting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy levels and avoiding dehydration.

3. The Evolving Landscape of MMA:

Faber reflects on the evolution of MMA from its early days of unsanctioned fights in casinos and parking lots to its current status as a globally recognized sport. He contrasts the rough-and-tumble nature of the early years with the more regulated and professionalized environment of today. He also discusses the ongoing debate regarding rule changes, particularly those concerning strikes to the back of the head and knees to a downed opponent, arguing that the sport should embrace a more realistic approach, allowing for a greater range of techniques.

4. Community and Support Systems in MMA:

Faber emphasizes the importance of community and support systems within the MMA world, highlighting the close-knit group of friends and training partners he has built over the years. He describes their shared living arrangements and the “commune” they have created, emphasizing the vital role that camaraderie plays in navigating the challenges of a demanding profession. This close-knit network provides not only practical support but also emotional strength and a sense of belonging.

5. The Alpha Male Mindset:

Faber explores the concept of the “alpha male” as it relates to both sports and broader societal dynamics. He draws on his background in human development to examine the characteristics associated with alpha status and the role it plays in achieving success across various fields. While acknowledging the potential for the term to be misused or misinterpreted, he remains confident in his own alpha mindset and its contribution to his success in MMA.

6. Urijah Faber’s Relationship with Dominic Cruz:

Faber provides an in-depth look at his contentious relationship with rival fighter Dominic Cruz, highlighting their history of mutual animosity and the underlying tension that fuels their rivalry. He offers insights into Cruz’s personality and fighting style, attributing his point-fighting approach to a sense of insecurity and jealousy. Despite their differences, Faber recounts a unique bonding experience they shared while participating in a military training program, which led to a brief period of mutual respect. He ultimately concludes that their rivalry is a natural part of their competitive drive and expects their next fight to be a highly entertaining and hard-fought battle.

7. The Need for Experienced Judges in MMA:

Faber expresses his frustration with the current judging system in MMA, highlighting the lack of expertise and understanding among some judges, which he believes contributes to inconsistent scoring and unfair decisions. He argues that the judging panel should be comprised of individuals with extensive experience in combat sports, ensuring a greater level of knowledge and objectivity. He advocates for a system that requires judges to explain their scoring rationale after each fight, promoting transparency and accountability.

8. The Future of MMA and MMA Draft:

Faber shares his vision for the future of MMA, emphasizing the importance of developing talent from a young age and creating opportunities for up-and-coming fighters. He discusses his new project, MMA Draft, which aims to identify and cultivate the next generation of MMA superstars by providing a platform for showcasing young talent and connecting them with potential sponsors and coaches.

9. The Business of MMA:

Faber acknowledges the financial realities of fighting and the challenges faced by aspiring fighters, particularly in the early stages of their careers. He emphasizes the need for financial support and mentorship for young athletes to avoid the need for secondary jobs and focus on their training. MMA Draft is presented as a solution to these challenges, providing a pathway for young fighters to build their careers and secure financial stability.

10. The Growing Popularity of MMA:

Faber reflects on the remarkable evolution of MMA’s popularity, remembering a time when the sport was considered a fringe activity and often met with disapproval. He celebrates the sport’s mainstream acceptance and the increasing recognition of its athletes, illustrated by celebrities like Charlize Theron expressing their appreciation for the sport. This growing mainstream appeal reflects the sport’s increasing legitimacy and its appeal to a diverse range of fans.

11. The Evolution of Urijah Faber’s Brand:

Faber reveals his plans for developing a new brand of equipment and lifestyle products called Toric, aimed at the MMA community. This venture reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to further expand his presence within the sport.

12. Urijah Faber’s Upcoming Fight Against Henning Burrow:

The podcast culminates in a discussion of Faber’s upcoming fight against Henning Burrow, highlighting the anticipated excitement and intensity of the match. Faber expresses his eagerness to put on a show for the fans and showcase his skills in a high-stakes battle.

13. The Impact of Social Media on MMA:

Faber touches on the role of social media in MMA, acknowledging its power to amplify fighters’ voices and connect with fans. He highlights the double-edged sword of social media, recognizing its potential for both positive and negative influence on fighters’ careers.

14. The Importance of Mental Toughness:

Faber emphasizes the crucial role of mental toughness in MMA, emphasizing the need for fighters to maintain their focus, resilience, and self-belief in the face of adversity. This theme is woven throughout the podcast, underscoring the importance of mental training alongside physical preparation.

15. The Future of Urijah Faber:

The podcast ends with a sense of optimism for Faber’s future, recognizing his continued dedication to the sport and his ambition to remain a dominant force in MMA. The podcast leaves listeners with a sense of inspiration, reflecting on Faber’s journey and the enduring power of passion, determination, and community.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s just about tricking your body, you know, because it’s like how much sodium you have in your body, how many electrolytes and stuff like that, what what’s going on digestively in your stomach. So if you like, treat yourself like a race car when it comes to the the training thing.” – Faber describes his approach to weight cutting, highlighting the importance of manipulating the body’s metabolic processes.
• “That’s what’s so intriguing about our sport is that this is what would really happen if you mess with someone and they know what they’re doing. Yeah. This is what you’re gonna have to deal with.” – Faber argues for more realistic rules in MMA, emphasizing the need to reflect the realities of real-life confrontations.
• “The He makes fun of the size of his hands. You know? He makes fun of we did an interview, and he’s he’s, say, I got I have a bit of hands. because he broke his hand. Yeah. That’s that’s something. There’s nothing you can do about that. Right?” – Faber highlights Dominic Cruz’s insecurities and their impact on his fighting style, adding a layer of complexity to their rivalry.
• “I’ve been so tempted to grab one of these judges that I know doesn’t know anything and ask them — On camera. — ask them a full interview of like what is an omen plotter? What makes it what makes it work? What makes it not work? What is this? Is this a dangerous position? When does it become dangerous? When does not.” – Faber expresses his frustration with the lack of expertise among some MMA judges, calling for a higher standard of knowledge and experience.
• “It’s not physically. It’s mentally taxing. It’s it’s financially taxing when you’re getting going, and that’s that’s the crazy thing. Actually, I wanna talk about that. I’ve got a new thing that Phil Davis and I are starting. called MMA draft, and we’ve been working on it for a long time. But it’s basically gonna create opportunities for these up and comers.” – Faber highlights the challenges faced by aspiring MMA fighters and introduces his project, MMA Draft, designed to provide support and opportunities for young talent.