
Austin Hubbard looks to showcase new skillset at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov

Photo: Austin Hubbard weighs in (UFC)
UFC Lightweight Austin Hubbard will hit the Octagon for the fourth time in his career on July 20 as he looks to even his UFC record.
In May 2019, Hubbard made his UFC debut in a fight against Davi Ramos. Although ultimately losing that bout, Hubbard rebounded and entered the win column with a victory against Kyle Prepolec last September.
At UFC 248 in March, Hubbard lost to Mark Madsen in a unanimous decision by the judges. On June 20, he is looking to redeem himself again, this time against Joe Solecki.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training regimens have changed for all fights. Hubbard says that he has still been able to work out and stay in shape despite the many restrictions put in place. With workout groups having to be smaller and public gyms being closed, Hubbard had to adapt. Especially since he was stuck in Illinois for a substantial amount of time because of COVID-19, he has not had access to his home gym in Colorado.
“Training has been a little different, obviously,” Hubbard told Fightlete’s Sean Lennon. “But, I still am able to get in good work. I am really thankful that I am able to still consistently train.”
Despite training restrictions, Hubbard’s other teammates at Elevation Fight Team have been very successful in the Octagon. Justin Gaethje, Drew Dober and Alistair Overeem all won their fights over the past few weeks since the UFC has kicked back into gear. Gaethje’s win over Tony Ferguson netted him the title of UFC Interim Lightweight champion, leading him to become the first title-holder in Elevation Fight Team’s history.
The success of Hubbard’s team has inspired Hubbard to get back into the Octagon soon.
“It motivates me so much,” Hubbard said to Lennon. “I am super excited, and I am just waiting for my turn to keep this momentum going.”
Although the fight will take place at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV, Hubbard says that it would be cool to be at Fight Island at some point.
“It would definitely be a cool experience,” Hubbard told Lennon. “I am all for whatever. Wherever the fight takes me, I’ll go. I never thought I would go to Dubai, so that would be a cool thing.”
Although Fight Island will not be ready until July 11, who knows where Hubbard will end up in the future.
On June 20, it will be Solecki that stands across from Hubbard, but he is not concerned as to who he fights.
“My job is to fight,” Hubbard told Lennon. “My job is to put on a show for the fans. I am not a matchmaker. I take the fight and I try to do the best I can.”
Hubbard is looking to redeem himself and move to 2-2 as a UFC fighter. In order to claim victory, he says that a lot of changes will come to his game next week.
“We are just working on a little something different right now,” Hubbard said to Lennon. “I feel a good change coming. I am excited. I am ready to get out there and showcase these news things I have been working on.”
Hubbard will be back in the Octagon for UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov on June 20 to take on Solecki in a Lightweight matchup.