Ian Butler is a former professional MMA fighter and an active professional Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Ian has fought for multiple regional MMA promotions and had a lengthy career fighting at Bellator, before retiring from the sport in 2020. He has since thrown himself into a career in grappling and has stepped on the mats for many of the world’s biggest promotions like Polaris and Who’s Number One.
Jits Magazine spoke to Ian about his upcoming match with Victor Silverio at Who’s Number One 26, and his experiences competing for several major promotions. We discussed the earliest days of his MMA career as well, including his time living and training with Dean Lister. He also explained his decision to retire from the sport and the work he does as the founder of Silverback Wrestling Club.
Subscribe to the channel for more interviews with elite BJJ competitors and coaches.
For the latest news in the sport, find us at:
https://www.jitsmagazine.com/
Or click here to learn from the best grapplers in the world:
https://bjjfanatics.com/?rfsn=8011898.d84b92
0:00 Why Ian transitioned from wrestling to MMA
2:44 The start of Ian’s love for Jiu-Jitsu
3:47 Meeting and living with Dean Lister
8:20 Training with legends
10:57 Teaching at Silverback wrestling club
12:47 Life after fighting
16:07 Why Ian retired from MMA
17:59 Returning to Jiu-Jitsu
20:33 Ian’s favorite grappling event
24:41 Who’s Number One 26
26:24 Future opponents
29:17 Thanks & signing off
Join our Private Facebook Group