"The California Kid" Is 35 Years Old... How Much Gas Is Left In The Tank?

Arkridge

Arkridge

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Urijah Faber is a staple in the MMA world, one of if not the most recognizable and successful fighters 145 pounds and below and has had close to 40 professional fights. Although he hasn't been able to secure a UFC title, he's been the consensus #2 guy at FW and BW for quite awhile racking up wins over anyone not named Aldo or Barao and has given us countless exciting bouts when he steps into the cage. He's been in the game for quite awhile and at the moment doesn't seem to be slowing down, but he's starting to get around that age where guys start to decline.

My question is, how many fights (or years) do you think Urijah Faber has left in him?
 
Small breeds of dogs tend to live 2 years longer than other breeds. Since your average life span of a dog is 12 years that extra 2 years is about 16.6% longer of a prime. Most fighters are in there prime from 23-35 so I expect Urijah's prime to last to an age of 37.
 
He has proper clean-living tactics... but he's also had some injury issues. Short guys do live longer, but 40+ fights is rough.


I'd say he's got three more solid years. Then 2-3 more waning years of decline.
 
He's always seemed to me to be the type of guy who really takes care of himself and has the lifestyle that promotes maximum health and wellness. If I were to wager I'd say he's a "young 35" ie he's physically still close to his peak/prime.

Obviously that's speculation but if you read up on Faber he's very serious about diet, energy maintenance, etc. I think he's probably good to go for a few more years.
 
Faber is epic, but having fought that much, and being that old... I'd say that he'll probably be able to make another run for the title before starting to go downhill.

Though I hope he stays at the top for a while, i'd love to see him taking the BW title if Bar
 
He has at least a couple more years as a top five staple in my opinion. He hasn't had too many damaging or physically devastating losses, keeps himself healthy and in shape year round, and is one of the most consistent performers there is. Even at a slight decline he gets the best of the majority of current top ten guys at bantamweight.
 
Truebeliever said:
Small breeds of dogs tend to live 2 years longer than other breeds. Since your average life span of a dog is 12 years that extra 2 years is about 16.6% longer of a prime. Most fighters are in there prime from 23-35 so I expect Urijah's prime to last to an age of 37.
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Well, I guess we can't argue with science.
 
Truebeliever said:
Small breeds of dogs tend to live 2 years longer than other breeds. Since your average life span of a dog is 12 years that extra 2 years is about 16.6% longer of a prime. Most fighters are in there prime from 23-35 so I expect Urijah's prime to last to an age of 37.
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I don't think you can compare dogs and humans as easily as you are. Dogs also don't get punched in the face and choked unconscious for a living. And I don't think they put there bodies through the kind of hard work that an MMA fighter does let alone a hard worker like Urijah Faber. I can see where your coming from but I don't think it correlates correctly.
 
Urijah is a type of guy that will be around till he's 45. And he'll be coaching after that.
 
Urijah seems to live life pretty clean and doesn't let himself go like many athletes seem to. Might have another 5 years in him.
 
He will continue to do his job for at least another 3 years.

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jeez some of you guys are delusional. He's decently well removed from his prime at 35. The body ages and that is just inevitable. His lifestyle helps minimize the effects of father time but hell yeah its a factor. Luckily with that age he also has plenty of experience which pays dividends.

With that being said i'd say he will be able to perform very well for the next couple years but there is no exact time frame as genetics plays a role. Look at boxers in his weight class for example. Guys like oscar delahoya weren't looking as sharp at only 33. Manny paq isn't as quick either at 35. I'd say he needs to rely more on his grappling skill. That is less age dependent.
 
tasticles said:
jeez some of you guys are delusional. He's decently well removed from his prime at 35. The body ages and that is just inevitable. His lifestyle helps minimize the effects of father time but hell yeah its a factor. Luckily with that age he also has plenty of experience which pays dividends.

With that being said i'd say he will be able to perform very well for the next couple years but there is no exact time frame as genetics plays a role. Look at boxers in his weight class for example. Guys like oscar delahoya weren't looking as sharp at only 33. Manny paq isn't as quick either at 35. I'd say he needs to rely more on his grappling skill. That is less age dependent.
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I see where you're going. Urijah looks great right now at 35 but we've often see guys get into the octagon after looking amazing a performance or two before and just look like absolute shit. I feel like age can hit you instantly in a sport like this, especially if you've taken some hard shots.
 
Arkridge said:
I see where you're going. Urijah looks great right now at 35 but we've often see guys get into the octagon after looking amazing a performance or two before and just look like absolute shit. I feel like age can hit you instantly in a sport like this, especially if you've taken some hard shots.
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I havent watched him fight in a good while. Has he taken a lot of punishment? All the fights I saw him in he was kicking the shit out of people expect for a couple.
 
tasticles said:
I havent watched him fight in a good while. Has he taken a lot of punishment? All the fights I saw him in he was kicking the shit out of people expect for a couple.
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Not as much as most guys, but he gets hit. I remember him getting tagged pretty hard in each of his last 3-4 fights but it isn't like he's getting KO'ed every other fight. He has good recovery time when he does get tagged.
 
I'd say a year or two until he retires...especially if he gets another TS and loses
 
He trains speed, cardio and technique the most. His power is his most diminished aspect compared to others in his division. That and breaking his hands too many times.
 
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