Issue 094
November 2012
Likable and exciting, UFC flyweight Ian McCall has grown a cult following due to his accomplishments in the ring and his life story outside of it
NEED TO KNOW
NAME Ian McCall
AGE 28
STARTED 2002
DIVISION Flyweight
STYLE All-Rounder
BASED: Irvine, California
RECORD 11-3-1
4 (T)KOS (36.36%)
3 SUBS (27.27%)
4 DECISIONS (36.36%)
One of the fighters who truly helped put the flyweight division on the map, mustached UFC character Ian McCall hails from Dana Point, California. He began his career a decade ago in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he defeated Jerry Samson via rear naked choke, and would fight sporadically during the early stages of his professional fighting life, obtaining a record of 5-0 over five years.
He was then given a chance to fight for the WEC in September 2007, which, at the time, was the biggest promotion in the world for lighter-weight fighters. His debut would be a victory over fellow undefeated prospect and WEC debutant Coty Wheeler via TKO in the third round.
A first loss against Charlie Valencia would force McCall to pick up a win on the regional circuit before his WEC return. But he would again taste defeat, this time to soon-to-be WEC and UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.
McCall would fight only once over the next two years. A number of personal issues eventually culminated in a drug overdose that would actually kill McCall until doctors managed to revive him.
This became the catalyst for the Californian’s renewed focus on success in the cage.
He made his flyweight debut in top US regional promotion Tachi Palace Fighting Championship in February 2011, where he was thrown in at the deep end against undefeated Jussier Da Silva, a former Shooto 123lb champion. Underdog McCall shocked the flyweight division with a unanimous decision win. He then defeated Dustin Ortiz four months later to gain a TPF flyweight title fight against Darrell Montague. Again, McCall won against the odds, submitting Montague in the third round.
Sitting atop the flyweight rankings, he was then called up to join the UFC’s new 125lb division. Debuting in Australia earlier this year, McCall had a thrilling fight with Demetrious Johnson. However, it was filled with controversy due to a judging error that at first had Johnson winning, but was actually scored a draw. A rematch, however, would see McCall drop a decision at UFC on FX in Florida. Although disappointed, he vowed to return and eventually win the UFC 125lb belt, so he can truly be considered the lord of the flies.
WRESTLING
McCall may not be a former NCAA Division I wrestler, but the way he transitions from striking to wrestling is second to none, especially in the flyweight division. He’s able to get opponents down and hold them there, unleashing large amounts of damage from top position.
UNPREDICTABILITY
The great thing about McCall is you don’t know what he’s going to do next. He’s good in all areas of the sport, so you’re never sure whether he’s going to take you down, knock you out or try and submit you.
TOUGHNESS
The thing that disheartens many opponents is the fact whatever you throw at McCall, he’s already been through it, making him near impossible to finish. He has an iron chin, an unbreakable will and constantly smiles even when he’s getting punched in the face. Strange and unnerving for opponents.
Career Snapshot
2002
McCall makes his MMA debut in 2002 at Warriors Quest 6: Best of the Best, defeating Jerry Samson.
2007
Undefeated, he wins his first fight in the WEC finishing Coty Wheeler via TKO at WEC 30.
2009
Is defeated by Dominick Cruz at WEC 38, dropping his promotion record to 1-2. He takes nearly two years off.
2011
Defeats Darrell Montague to become the Tachi Palace Fights flyweight champion. He signs for the UFC shortly after.
2012
Begins his tenure with the UFC with a draw and a loss against Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson.
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