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UFC 128 Weigh-ins: Ian Loveland

Ian Loveland

TRAINING: In the morning I do either a strength and conditioning or cardio work out. I do strength training at Cross Fit Gresham, or run trails or stairs for cardio. In the afternoon I spar at Team Quest with the best training partners in the sport. In the evenings I stretch and work technique.

Thoughts on opponent, Joseph Benavidez? I’m excited to fight one of the top guys in the division. This is the opportunity I have been waiting for so I am preparing accordingly. I know he is good all around and is a strong and explosive fighter. I think this match up will make for an exciting fight. I'm looking forward to my second UFC victory and am shooting for Fight of the Night.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I have been doing some form of martial arts since I was 5 years old. I started in Tae Kwon Do and moved on to wrestling in high school. I have watched UFC since I was a little kid and have always wanted to fight, so I took the skills I had from Tae Kwon Do and wrestling and went to Team Quest, where I learned to use them for MMA while adding new skills.

What ranks and titles have you held? Wreck MMA 135 lb champion

Do you have any heroes? Larry Dahlberg, Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, my Mom, my Dad and my wife.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I have wanted to fight in the UFC since I was a little kid. I never thought it was going to happen because I was too small at 135 and 145 lbs but with the addition of the lower weight classes it opened up this opportunity and it’s a dream come true.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I am half way through a degree in Fisheries Technology, but am putting it on hold for my fighting career.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a woodworker.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? FCFF featherweight champion.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in Tae Kwon Do

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite Striking technique: Head kicks