USADA is still testing the retired Urijah Faber ... just about as much as Jon Jones in 2018, actually

Never say never ...

Urijah Faber — who is gearing up for his grappling showdown with Kazushi Sakuraba at QUINTET 3 next month (details) — still isn’t ruling out a return to mixed martial arts (MMA) nearly two years after he announced his retirement. In fact, “The California Kid” is still sleeping through surprise visits from United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

“I’m still [under contract] with UFC,” Faber said. “I’m still in the USADA [test] pool just in case something comes up. I train more than some of the guys who are pros to be honest — I’m in the gym all the time. I wouldn’t put it past [myself] to jump back in... I know it’s very possible — I live such a healthy lifestyle and I didn’t take a ton of damage. But, for right now, I’m really just enjoying doing what I’m doing.”

While he was still an active fighter, Faber was tested 10 times in 2016. Since he hung up his gloves Faber was tested three times in 2017 and twice this year. That’s about the same amount as Jon Jones (3) in 2018, which makes absolutely zero sense. Right, Brendan?

Anyway ...

Faber (34-10) just turned 39 years old. He has not competed since his unanimous decision victory over Brad Pickett at UFC on FOX 22 in Dec. 2016. Despite a dreadful UFC title fight record (0-4), Faber is widely known as the fighter who opened up the door for smaller weight classes and its fighters.

He is also the key figure in the middle of one of MMA’s fiercest rivalries between his Team Alpha Male (TAM) protege, Cody Garbrandt, and the one who got away, Bantamweight champion, T.J. Dillashaw.

Perhaps that lone possibility is what truly keeps him still interested.