Alan Jouban Hoping To Improve After Back-to-Back Losses

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Alan Jouban (15-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) spoke about hoping to improve after back to back lists to Niko Price (first round KO at UFC Fight Night 114 in August) and Gunnar Nelson (submission at UFC Fight Night 107). The losses ended a 5-1 run in the UFC. Here are highlights:

On reeling from the loss to Price: “Obviously coming off a loss in my last fight, it was very disappointing. I felt so prepared. I felt in the locker room warming up for that fight like I was going to do something special. I just got caught early. I didn’t get to show everybody what I had. It’s disappointing when you are prepared but you just don’t get the chance because you didn’t make the right move. I took a little time off from the heavy sparring and striking, and focused a lot on my grappling as of late. After my fight, I did an entire month of nothing but grappling and wrestling every day just to bring that part of my game back up to par so I can bring it out a little more in my fights.”

On when he wants to fight again: “I’m in talks with (UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby about (fighting in) December. I’ve been lobbying for early December. My last two fights were international. I want to try to stay close to home. I don’t know if I’m going to get on (The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale) card. Detroit – there’s a pay-per-view in Detroit (UFC 218). You can most likely see me retuning to the octagon in December.”

On potential opponents: “No names (in mind) as of now. Once you get into the top 10, it has to be a certain name somewhat because only certain fights make sense. The names become more important. Throughout my career, I’ve never turned down a fight. I pick a date or a month that works for me, and then we decided internationally or locally. I let them come back to me with names. I’ll be happy with whoever they give me.”