Here’s a bold statement: Urijah Faber is stepping into the ring as the underdog, but he’s not just here to compete—he’s here to prove everyone wrong. And this is the part most people miss: Faber isn’t just relying on his past glory; he’s evolved, and he believes that’s his secret weapon. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a seasoned veteran like Faber truly outsmart a younger, Olympic gold medalist like Henry Cejudo? Let’s dive in.
This weekend, on February 28, 2026, the Mullett Arena at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, will host the highly anticipated RAF 6 main event. Urijah Faber, affectionately known as ‘The California Kid,’ is set to face off against Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. Faber, a three-time UFC title challenger and Hall of Famer, is no stranger to high-stakes matches, but this one feels different. On paper, the odds seem overwhelmingly in Cejudo’s favor. At just 21, Cejudo became the youngest American to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling, later dominating the UFC’s Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions. Faber acknowledges the challenge: ‘Henry is a guy that is going to come to win, and I’ve got to find all sorts of ways to spin it—how I’m going to win,’ he told RAF in a recent interview. ‘The odds are stacked against me. He’s younger, an Olympic gold medalist. I’ve had success in wrestling, but it’s not the same level. He might think this is going to be easy, but I believe I can beat him.’
Here’s the twist: While Cejudo’s accolades are undeniable, Faber argues that experience and adaptability could level the playing field. ‘As I’ve progressed in my grappling career, I’ve become trickier,’ Faber explained. ‘Being a young, peak-condition athlete who wants to overpower opponents is one thing. I was that guy—aggressive, willing to take risks. I won’t be shooting low singles on Henry, but I’ll definitely look for opportunities to turn the tables.’
Faber’s last MMA bout was in 2019 at UFC 245, where he suffered a knockout loss to Petr Yan. However, he’s stayed sharp, competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and combat jiu-jitsu events, even submitting a 4th-degree black belt in a recent match. Cejudo, on the other hand, retired after a loss to Payton Talbott at UFC 323. Now, these two decorated veterans are set to collide, with Faber fully aware that belief in himself is the first step to victory.
But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Is Faber’s experience and evolution enough to overcome Cejudo’s sheer dominance? Or will Cejudo’s youthful vigor and unmatched credentials prove too much to handle? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one fight where opinions are as divided as they come. For the full RAF 6 card, check out the details here: RAF 6 Card Details.
