SACRAMENTO - The legacy of Urijah Faber was set a long time ago.
The "California Kid" established the lower weights of the mixed martial arts when he won and reigned over he WEC featherweight title for two and half years before the WEC became a part of the UFC.
Because of that legacy, Faber (30-7) remains a prize for young fighters hoping to make a name for themselves, and after a fan suggested on twitter that Alex Caceres should fight him, Caceres immediately called UFC President Dana White.
"Alex wanted that fight, he begged for the fight, he begged to fight Urijah Faber," White told News10. "I'm weird like that if somebody wants something that bad, I'll give it to them, but be careful what you ask for."
Faber did not seem to mind getting "called out" by Caceres (10-5-1).
"I think it is a good idea for him, he is coming off a five fight win streak (one fight determined NC for drug violation), which is really hard to do in the UFC," said Faber. "But I am going to get in there and go at this guy like he started a fight with me, he is going to have to pay the consequences."
Faber fights Caceres at UFC 175 on July 5th in Las Vegas as the main event on the preliminary fights on FS1.
Faber to debut new head coach Martin Kampmann
Many people may put the Faber-Caceres fight under a microscope because of Team Alpha Male's change at head coach.
After a successful run under Duane Ludwig, Faber will have Martin Kampmann in his corner for the very first time.
"Martin is awesome, especially with his MMA knowledge the way he mixes it in, it has been perfect for the team," said Faber.
Kampmann (20-7) is no stranger to Octogan or the UFC. But after two tough losses to Carlos Condit and Johny Hendricks, Kampmann decided to take a break from fighting.
"I'm used to being the guy on the mat. I'm used to being the guy in the cage. I don't want to say I'm done because it is something I really love," Kampmann said. "But I'm focused on coaching now. My main focus is helping Urijah get ready for his fight."
Despite the arrival of Kampmann in the Team Alpha Male camp at the Ultimate Fitness gym, Ludwig still remains a fixture. After helping T.J. Dillashaw defeat Renan Barao for the UFC bantamweight title, Chad Mendes will use Ludwig for his UFC featherweight title bout against Jose Aldo at UFC 176 in Los Angeles.
"Duane is still popping in here as well," said Faber. "The team is growing and we are getting more coaching and more knowledge to pour into the guys."
"I think Duane has done a great job," added Kampmann. 'It is great for the guys. They get to take the knowledge from both Duane and me. They are in a real privileged situation."
