It is the perfect mix for the 27-year-old Illinois native, who has top level training in Colorado and Midwest grit in his DNA.
“The Midwest is known for solid wrestling, the top wrestling in the country, and there’s that edge that you get, just grinding,” he said. “I grew up wrestling and I feel like it set me up well for where I’m at today, for sure.”
And though the physical training can’t be overestimated, the biggest benefit for Hubbard as he awaits his UFC debut may be the advice he gets from his teammates.
“Drew Dober keeps telling me that it’s just like every other fight,” said Hubbard. “Neil Magny, who’s another great mentor of mine, says pretty much the same thing. He tells me that I’ve been working constantly in the gym and it’s not some different thing; it’s still just a fight and I’ve been doing this. Granted, it is a higher level, but they’re trying to not paint too big of a picture for me and helping me to keep everything in perspective. One of my main partners is Justin Gaethje, and he also helps me. They all give me great advice that earned me this spot and prepared me for this moment. I’m definitely ready to go and I feel like I belong.”
He’s even sleeping through the night now.
“I’ve just now recently to sleep fully through the night and not wake up thinking about the fight,” he laughs. “So it’s definitely a bigger thing and it’s on my mind, but I’m trying to take their advice the best I can and keep reminding myself that it is just another fight.”
