A 145 pound ball of fury is about to be unleashed on the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as Team Quest fighter Ian Loveland descends on The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale this weekend in Las Vegas. Loveland, who hasn’t lost a fight since 2007, has only gone to a decision once in 20 fights. His opportunity at the big time comes on short notice, as he fills in for an injured Leonard Garcia against Tyler Toner.
“I’m excited,” Loveland told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive interview. “I have been waiting for this day to finally come and it’s a dream come true. Everything up to this point has been preparing me for this Saturday. I am looking to put on a good show this weekend for the UFC. I took this fight on short notice, but I am usually in fighting shape. At Team Quest we spar a lot and hardly ever take days off. My last few fights have ended via KO, so I am looking to do the same in this fight.”
Loveland, like most Team Quest fighters, is a strong wrestler. But his bread and butter is his punching prowess, fast and powerful hands that combine for sophisticated combinations. He’s won six consecutive fights, four in a row by knockout.
“Ian Loveland is probably the toughest guy in the gym,” Team Quest general manager Scott McKendry said. “He hits like a truck and moves really well. Nobody can catch him. Ian’s an intense guy and a lot of fun to watch. I believe Ian has the potential to be one of the best in his division in the UFC.”
What plagues Loveland is his level of competition. Will he be ready for a UFC level fighter? Will there be nerves as he makes his big show debut? And most importantly, will a natural 135 pounder find himself outgunned at featherweight? Manager and trainer Matt Lindland doesn’t think so.
“Ian is a ornery little guy, with a nasty disposition and ton of skills,” Lindland said. “We at Team Quest have just been waiting for this opportunity for him to be able to show case his skills on a big stage. I can see Ian being a big draw for the UFC once the fans get an opportunity to see the way he fights. Very exciting and always looking to finish fights.”
After the break, Loveland in action.
Team Quest MMA: Loveland vs Jansen sparring (via lindlandlaw)
Akitoshi Tamura vs. Ian Loveland (via newmexicoone)