UFC legend Faber returns home and gives back

Less than a month ago, the UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber stunned the sporting world by not only winning a match at the age of 40 but upending a rising star 14 years younger and in 46 seconds. The upset garnered national praise for The California Kid and stirred up conversations about a possible run at the UFC bantamweight championship. Yet, when Faber returned to his namesake gym in Rocklin on July 31 for a victory celebration, the UFC Hall of Famer did not carry himself as one might believe a celebrity would. While there was the customary selfies snapped and autographs signed, Faber got in the muck of training. From getting on the mat to show a child proper technique to offering a motivational lift to participants in kickboxing, Faber was not above anyone else. Which is the way he wanted it. "I love being around the folks in the gym,"Faber said "These gyms are made to motivate people and I know that I've been in situations where people motivated me. A lot of times, people hold others on pedestals but I like to get in here and mix it up to let everyone know we're on the same level. I always get a kick out of coming in here and getting face-to-face with the folks and just giving back." Among the three dozen or so youths to train directly under Faber was 11-year-old Anthony Avila, who said training with the Hall of Famer not only makes him a better fighter but helps him with overall athleticism. "It's inspiring," Anthony said. "Seeing him fight and hearing about him on TV or the newspaper is amazing. Training with him is so much fun and you get to learn so much from him." For Donna Tofft, Lincoln High School athletic director, Faber still has the ability to inspire Fighting Zebras' athletes decades after he graduated. "He is one of the most recognized athletes to ever come out of Lincoln High," Tofft said. "He has the most records for push-ups, pull-ups, he played football and of course, he was a great wrestler. Nobody wanted to mess with Urijah or wrestle with him. These students see him on TV, they see all the success he has had and is always a source of pride." Tofft added that "it is great" to see Faber return back to the community he came from and remain humble, even with all the success he has had. Being inspired by Faber was not only limited to youth and student-athletes, as those in the subsequent mixed-age kickboxing class discovered on July 31. The enthusiastic class was led by Faber, who issued a litany of inspirational pep talks to participants. High-fives and direct encouragement from the Hall of Famer appeared to motivate participants and brought smiles to the faces of many. Immediately after a mixed-age kickboxing session, Faber also offered an inspirational message to participants. "Some people are afraid to think big," Faber said to the sweat-drenched participants. "I'd write down my goals from high school and college and it was always 'be an All-American." All-American is good but I never really wrote down that I wanted to be a national champion. When I became a professional fighter, I learned from that... I never let myself think to be the champion. So, when I decided to let myself have that champion mindset, it changed everything." For Rick Carlson, UFC Gym Urijah Faber's corporate marketing representative, discovering the atmosphere surrounding UFC Gym was a pleasant surprise. Carlson, who has worked for decades in the gym industry, noted the the overly-aggressive and "macho" stereotype doesn't exist at all in the UFC community, nor at UFC Gym Urijah Faber. Carlson added that the atmosphere is not only conducive to the overall well-being of adult members but offers a particular good for youth. "This is really good for the kids," Carlson said. "It really helps them build confidence. Over here, they are training, learning self-defense and pushing themselves in a different way… I urge parents and their kids to come in the gym, take a tour and get educated with what this gym offers. The staff here is incredible and they are seasoned in their careers. All I ask is for people to come through those doors." UFC Gym Urijah Faber is at 6684 Lonetree Blvd., Rocklin. For additional information on the gym, visit ufcgym.com/rocklin or follow UFC GYM (Rocklin) on Facebook.