Ian Entwistle


Ian Entwistle is an English former mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Born and raised in Accrington, Lancashire, Entwistle competed in football on various levels as a youngster. Before he began training in martial arts, he briefly owned and operated a nightclub in Accrington.
He is supporter of Accrington Stanley Football club.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After the culmination of his soccer career, Enwistle began training in mixed martial arts in 2008. He made his debut as a professional in 2010, competing as a featherweight for various regional promotions across England, including a stint in Cage Warriors. He was able to compile a record along the way of 8-1, and finished all of his opponents in the first round. After his finish of Liam James in December 2013, Entwistle moved from England to Phuket, Thailand in an attempt to further his career and enhance his Muay Thai skills. He signed with the UFC in May 2014.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Entwistle made his promotional debut on 28 June 2014 as he faced Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 43. After threatening Hooker with several submission attempts, Entwistle lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Entwistle faced Anthony Birchak in a bantamweight bout on 13 December 2014 at UFC on Fox 13. Entwistle won the fight via submission in the first round. He was also awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.
Entwistle was expected to face Marcus Brimage on 18 July 2015 at UFC Fight Night 72. However, Entwistle pulled out of the fight in late June for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jimmie Rivera.
Entwistle next faced Alejandro Pérez on 10 April 2016 at UFC Fight Night 86. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Entwistle was scheduled to face Rob Font on 8 October 2016 at UFC 204. However on the day prior to the event, Entwistle fell ill during the weight cutting process and the bout was scrapped.
Entwistle was expected to face Brett Johns on 18 March 2017 at UFC Fight Night 107. Entwistle missed weight at the weigh ins coming in at 139lbs, 3lbs over the bantamweight limit of 136lbs. He forfeited 20% of his fight purse to his opponent. The following day, Entwistle's medical clearance was revoked following a trip the hospital and the bout was canceled.

Mixed martial arts record