Dustin Jacoby has ‘been through it to get to it’, preparing for his fourth fight of 2021
Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second
Since re-joining the UFC last year, Dustin Jacoby has been on an absolute tear. The light heavyweight is preparing to grace the octagon for the fourth time this year as he inches closer to the top-15.
In this interview with Jacoby, we discuss his unwavering drive to make his mark in the UFC, how Factory X has aided him over the past decade, why he believes he’s the best striker in the division and more.
“The Hanyak” is still just 33-years-old, but when looking at his resume you’ll notice how extensive his experience within combat sports is. Coinciding with Jacoby’s UFC and Bellator background is a long, successful tenure with Glory kickboxing. All of that experience has Jacoby in firm belief that he’s one of the premier strikers at LHW.
Dustin Jacoby Interview
“Absolutely not a doubt in my mind,” he affirmed. “There are some things that can only be experienced to be fully understood and I know what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the best strikers in the world. If the UFC was just a standup match, those top-level guys from Glory would be the kings man. Like I say all the time, I’ve been through it to get to it. I’ve climbed that ladder. I fought for a world title at Glory and I firmly believe that I’m one of the best strikers at 205.”
Jacoby’s journey to this point has been difficult at times along the way. Lesser men probably would’ve given up, but “The Hanyak” never let his focus on fulfilling his dreams slip. Now, he’s 3-0-1 in his second UFC stint and he’s knocking on the door of the top-15.
“Anytime I set my mind to something and go all in I tend to have success,” Jacoby replied. “And that’s what happened with me man. I got done with Glory in 2018 and I’m not gonna lie there was battles back-and-forth I had with myself about whether or not I’d continue fighting. My wife was giving hints that she was over it at the time. But I really just put my nose to the grindstone man and got after it. Anytime I’m prepared for something, I plan on succeeding, and that’s what I’ve done. Fortunately for me, I’ve been healthy so things are going really well.”
Riding the Momentum
Not only has Jacoby been healthy, but he’s been extremely active as well. He’s competed three times already this year and he’s preparing to fight again by year’s end.
“Yeah I think I’m gonna get in there for a fourth-time man,” he confirmed. “I’m training that way, I’m preparing that way. Ideally, it’d be the middle or end of October With hunting season and the holidays coming up it’d be nice to relax and enjoy that. So if a fight arises I think it’d be a great opportunity for myself.”
Training at Factory X
Dustin Jacoby has trained at the revered Factory X in Colorado for nearly a decade. Headed by Marc Montoya, the gym has instilled many things in Jacoby to help him be so successful.
“Yeah Factory X is such a great gym,” he began. “Like I said, I’ve been there since 2013, and our leader Marc Montoya I just can’t say enough great things about him. He’s a great mentor and he’s established a culture there where he demands excellence. All the little things add up to big things. The culture starts at the top with him, but it grows at the bottom with the athletes that come through his doors. It’s not for everybody.”
Jacoby admits that he’s always struggled a bit when it comes to grappling on the mat. However, working with a former title challenger helped him gain confidence in his abilities on the ground.
“Honestly kickboxing is my favorite discipline by far,” Jacoby stated. “So when I transitioned to kickboxing, not only did I love it, but I was basically running from the ground, not chasing my fears. But when I went back to MMA full-time, I remember helping Anthony Smith prepare for the Jon Jones fight, and rolling with that guy is extremely difficult. I just remember telling myself you can’t compete at a high level in this sport if you can’t cut it on the ground. All in all man, my ground game is getting good, I work on it every day, and I’m finally at the point where I’m not scared if the fight goes there.”
Approaching the Top-15
“Yeah absolutely I’m right there,” Jacoby said. “I think I’m at like 22. I even had one rankings panelist tell me he had me as high as 14. So just to hear that was pretty cool. I think with one more win man I’ll be right there at the top-15.”
Dustin Jacoby has been surging lately, with his most recent win coming via first-round TKO over Darren Stewart. Make sure to be on the lookout for an announcement of his next fight as he hopes to compete again very soon.
If you enjoyed this interview, make sure to check back for more exclusive conversations with the world’s best mixed martial artists.
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