5 Shocking Facts About Urijah Faber's Leg After Jose Aldo's 'Low Kicks From Hell' At WEC 48
The iconic image of Urijah Faber's brutally swollen and discolored leg following his 2010 bout with Jose Aldo remains one of the most visceral and unforgettable visuals in mixed martial arts history. This legendary WEC 48 featherweight title fight, which took place on April 24, 2010, was not just a title loss for "The California Kid," but a five-round masterclass in the devastating power of the low leg kick, leaving behind an injury that would define both the resilience of Faber and the terrifying striking prowess of Aldo.
As of December 22, 2025, the story of Faber's leg is more than just a gruesome photo; it’s a testament to his warrior spirit and a key piece of MMA lore that continues to be discussed by fighters and fans alike. The long-term impact on Faber's career and health, including his own candid comments on the lasting damage, reveals a deeper, more painful truth behind one of the most one-sided beatings in championship history.
Urijah 'The California Kid' Faber: A Detailed Biography and Professional Profile
Urijah Christopher Faber is an American former professional mixed martial artist, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the lighter weight classes in the sport. He is the founder of the world-renowned Team Alpha Male gym in Sacramento, California, which has produced numerous UFC and WEC champions.
- Full Name: Urijah Christopher Faber
- Nickname: The California Kid
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1979
- Birthplace: Isla Vista, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Weight Class: Bantamweight (135 lbs), Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Team/Association: Team Alpha Male (Founder)
- Pro MMA Debut: November 13, 2003
- Professional MMA Record: 35 Wins, 11 Losses (35-11-0)
- Notable Titles: WEC Featherweight Champion (4-time successful defense), UFC Hall of Fame (Modern Era Wing Inductee)
- Fight Date with Jose Aldo: WEC 48, April 24, 2010
The Brutality of WEC 48: Jose Aldo's Leg Kick Clinic
The WEC 48 main event was a highly anticipated clash between the dominant WEC Featherweight Champion, Jose Aldo, and the biggest star in the promotion, Urijah Faber. What transpired over five rounds was a striking clinic that forever changed how the MMA world viewed low leg kicks and the damage they could inflict.
The Anatomy of the Attack: Low Kicks From Hell
From the opening bell, Jose Aldo, a fighter known for his explosive power and technical striking, systematically targeted Faber's lead leg. Aldo utilized a relentless barrage of low kicks, primarily to the thigh and calf, a strategy designed to limit Faber's movement, power, and ability to shoot for takedowns.
The damage was progressive and cumulative. By the third round, Faber was visibly hobbled, struggling to put weight on his leg, and his movement was severely compromised. Despite the excruciating pain, "The California Kid" refused to quit, displaying a heart and toughness that earned him immense respect, even in defeat. The fight went the full 25 minutes, ending in a unanimous decision victory for Aldo (50-45 on all scorecards).
It is important to note that the leg injury was not the only damage Faber sustained. He also broke his right hand during the fight, further compounding the physical toll of the championship bout.
A representation of the severe bruising and swelling on Urijah Faber's leg following the WEC 48 main event against Jose Aldo.
5 Shocking Facts About the Aftermath and Long-Term Damage
The immediate and long-term consequences of the "low kicks from hell" were severe, extending far beyond the typical bruising expected from a five-round war. Faber's own words and the photographic evidence paint a disturbing picture of the injury.
1. The Leg Looked Like an 'Eggplant' and Was 'Dented'
The iconic photograph of Faber's leg the day after the fight showed a thigh that was grotesquely swollen and covered in deep purple and black contusions. Fans and analysts described the limb as looking like an 'eggplant.' More disturbingly, Faber later recounted that the sheer force of the kicks left 'dents' in his thigh muscle, where the tissue had been severely damaged.
2. The Claim of 'Permanently Died' Muscle Tissue
Perhaps the most alarming detail about the injury is Faber's own assessment of the lasting damage. He stated that the kicks were so powerful and precise that some of the muscle tissue in his thigh might have "permanently died." This suggests a severe form of blunt trauma that could lead to muscle necrosis, a rare but serious consequence of repeated, high-impact strikes to the same area. This quote highlights the true, lasting cost of his bravery.
3. Recovery Took Months, Not Weeks
While many fighters can shake off leg kick damage in a few weeks, Faber's recovery was protracted. He later confirmed that the leg still hurt and was not fully healed for several months after the fight. This extended recovery period is a clear indicator of the deep tissue and potential nerve damage sustained, forcing him to take significant time off from active competition to fully recuperate.
4. The Fight Became a Textbook Example of Leg Kick Strategy
The Aldo vs. Faber bout is now widely studied by martial artists as a perfect demonstration of how to dismantle an opponent's base using low kicks. The fight cemented Jose Aldo's reputation as one of the most devastating strikers in the sport's history and simultaneously raised the awareness of leg kick defense among all MMA competitors. The sheer effectiveness of Aldo's technique made the fight a mandatory watch for any serious student of the game, turning Faber's injury into a painful lesson for the entire sport.
5. The Injury Did Not End His Career—He Became a UFC Hall of Famer
Despite the career-altering damage, the injury did not stop "The California Kid." Faber returned to competition and transitioned seamlessly into the UFC when the WEC merged with the promotion. He continued to compete at the elite level for nearly a decade, challenging for UFC titles and eventually being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame (Modern Era Wing) in 2017. His ability to continue fighting at a high level after sustaining such a severe injury is a profound example of his legendary toughness and resilience, solidifying his status as a true pioneer of the lighter weight classes.
Detail Author:
- Name : Marie Trantow
- Username : dstark
- Email : gus.oconner@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1976-09-20
- Address : 2852 Zboncak Mountains Suite 485 Nikolausbury, CT 27395
- Phone : (803) 360-2712
- Company : Jacobs, Morar and Boehm
- Job : Skin Care Specialist
- Bio : Magni qui aspernatur aut et enim et nemo. Sint blanditiis quam nihil nesciunt expedita autem. Minima tenetur eos eveniet voluptas facere omnis.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/ebba.senger
- username : ebba.senger
- bio : Sunt quisquam doloremque et nisi beatae.
- followers : 3036
- following : 588
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/ebba_senger
- username : ebba_senger
- bio : Maiores fugit sed ea sed et porro. Deleniti voluptate tempore in corporis.
- followers : 2106
- following : 788
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/ebbasenger
- username : ebbasenger
- bio : Vitae et eveniet qui non tenetur reiciendis. Amet deleniti consequatur minus dolor dignissimos molestias. Voluptas minima soluta quia omnis quos.
- followers : 429
- following : 1398
