Ian Heinisch celebrates after his knockout victory over Gerald Meerschaert in their middleweight bout during the UFC 250 event at UFC APEX on June 06, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Ian Heinisch takes on Brendan Allen at the weekend but is willing to take on all comers
Ian Heinisch has another chance to impress in the Octagon as his incredible life story continues.
The 32-year-old is the #15 ranked Middleweight in the UFC but that is barely scratching the surface when it comes to the American.
Heinisch changed his career around after spending time in jail in both Spain and America. While he started wrestling when he was 11, drugs and addiction took over his life during his late teens.
However, he was able to work out in jail during his time in Spain and his love for MMA was rekindled. He has won 14 times in his MMA career and held belts in other promotions. His next clash against Allen should be a cracker but he has some big names in his mind for his next outing.
The 32-year-old was speaking to Jer Wilson in an exclusive interview for the Blood, Sweat and Tears podcast and opened up on who he wants to fight next:
“If Marvin Vettori wants to fight. I am sick of these guys calling me out. Meerschaert called me out, I got him. Brendan Allen called me out, I got him and then if Vettori wants it or Edmen Shahbazyan, any of these guys, I am game, comfortable in the cage now.
“This is the new me and I am ready for 2021 after this fight.”
Wilson also asked Heinisch how he got into MMA and he shared his story from his teens:
“I started wrestling when I was age 11. Wrestled from like 11 to 19 and then, unfortunately, addiction took over my life from age 19 to 24.
“I just partied and lifted weights really hard and then I was locked up in Spain and then they had a wrestling and kickboxing program and that is kind of sobered up and started training for real.
“I was freed from prison aged 26 and that is when I found a proper MMA gym and started training for real, I have been doing this in a real MMA gym for six years.”
The 32-year-old hoped that his story would inspire others. Heinisch has proved the doubters wrong by making such huge strides in his career despite taking a late step into MMA.
He might not be the youngest star in the UFC but his heart is in the right place. The Hurricane, as he is called, has come in just like one and taken the promotion by storm.
Heinisch is proof that hard work and belief can lead to your dreams. The Hurricane is enjoying his moment now and added that you need to live every day as it was your last.
This was an exclusive interview from Blood, Sweat and Tears. For more exclusive interviews and content please follow the link.
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates
