The world of higher education is about to experience a groundbreaking transformation as UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber teams up with Sacramento State to establish what is believed to be the first university-backed combat sports development program. This innovative initiative, known as Combat Sports and Martial Arts University (Combat U), will be overseen by the Sacramento State athletic department and operate in collaboration with Faber’s renowned Team Alpha Male. Breaking traditional boundaries, Combat U will provide an opportunity for students to pursue their academic and athletic dreams simultaneously, with scholarship funds available to support their journey.
The significance of this program lies in its commitment to inclusivity. All Sacramento State students, regardless of gender, will have the chance to participate in Combat U. It aims to reach individuals who may not have previously considered attending college or viewed it as a pathway to achieving their dreams. By bridging the gap between combat sports and education, Combat U opens doors for first-generation students from lower-income backgrounds to pursue a college degree while receiving world-class combat sports training. This program represents a unique intersection of passion and opportunity, breaking down barriers and fostering the growth of diverse talent.
Combat U will commence in the fall 2024 semester, offering club sports in boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu. Under the guidance of Executive Coach Urijah Faber and coaches from Team Alpha Male, students will have the chance to train in specialized disciplines led by experts in the field. These club teams will not only engage in regular competitions on campus but will also contribute to a pro prep class for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The ultimate goal is to develop athletes who can seamlessly transition into professional programs. The pro prep team will serve as a dedicated path for Sacramento State students, facilitated by Urijah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness.
While Combat U will not be supported by the NCAA, its establishment sets a precedent for future programs of its kind. Faber and Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood anticipate the growth of similar initiatives and even foresee the possibility of MMA or other martial arts becoming NCAA-sanctioned sports. Wrestling, an existing NCAA-supported sport, serves as a testament to the potential evolution within combat sports and higher education. As the sport continues to mature, perceptions are likely to shift, presenting new and exciting opportunities for student-athletes in combat sports.
Urijah Faber, having graduated from the University of California, Davis, recognizes the dilemma faced by many aspiring fighters who abandon their education to pursue a career in MMA. Combat U offers a solution to this predicament by empowering fighters to continue their academic growth while training at the highest level. This revolutionary program enables the cultivation of talent, discipline, and academic achievement. Faber envisions Combat U attracting talented individuals from all corners of the globe, creating a vibrant and diverse community passionate about both education and combat sports.
Combat U represents a new era in higher education, where unconventional passions are embraced, and boundaries are shattered. By providing a unique platform for students to pursue their dreams both in and outside the classroom, Combat U demonstrates the immense potential of interdisciplinary programs. Through this groundbreaking collaboration between Sacramento State and Team Alpha Male, a bright future emerges for combat sports athletes who seek to combine their passion for martial arts with a world-class education. Combat U is not merely an opportunity; it is a powerful catalyst for change, transforming lives and paving the way for a new generation of scholar-athletes.
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