On Nov. 13, 2003 Urijah Faber (34-10) made his successful professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut. Over 13 years later, “The California Kid” competed one last time at the Golden 1 Center in his home state of California. His final opponent was Brad Pickett (25-13) in the second main card bout of UFC on FOX 22.
Faber ended his MMA career with a three-round thrashing of his final opponent.
Pickett opened up with some leg kicks. Faber delivered a push kick. “One Punch” missed a lunging hook. A low calf kick, had Faber off balanced. Faber’s speed allowed him to land some punches and move out of harm’s away. A straight right hand popped Pickett. Faber went for a takedown and the two scrambled near the fence.
Pickett wound up on top, but Faber got back up and dropped his opponent with a huge left hook. He took the back of Pickett and dropped some bombs. He stuck to a bloodied Pickett like glue. “One Punch” survived the round.
The second stanza began and Pickett looked to attack the left calf of Faber. “The California Kid” went for a takedown to no avail. Pickett kept going after the left calf. Faber caught a knee and dumped his opponent to the canvas. Pickett threw some elbows off his back. He tried to scramble and eventually got back to his feet. Faber sent Pickett down and he looked for a choke. “One Punch” scrambled out of it. Pickett landed a left hook, but was taken down as the round ended.
Before the final round began, the Sacramento crowd went wild. Faber went for a head kick to open the final frame. He took Pickett down near the fence. He dropped some short elbows down. They returned standing, but not for long as Faber once again completed a takedown. He moved to side control, but “One Punch” turned in. Faber went for a choke, but settled for side control. Pickett got back up and dropped Faber, but commentator Brian Stann mention that his replay showed that Faber was on one leg and was hit on the shoulder and not the chin.
Pickett went for a jumping knee, but was taken down. The final round concluded and the winner was clear. “The California Kid” received a standing ovation.
After the fight, Faber thanked Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and the fans in attendance in Sacramento. He talked about Team Alpha and gave them praise before thanking everyone who supported him throughout his career.
Faber walked out of the Octagon to the sound of “California Love.”
Final Result: Uriah Faber def. Brad Pickett via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
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