Ian Gregory McCall (born July 5, 1984) is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions of several prominent MMA promotions, including Ultimate Fighting Championship, Rizin Fighting Federation and World Extreme Cagefighting. He is also a former TPF Flyweight Champion. In between his fights in January 2015 and December 2017, he had been booked for six consecutive cancelled fights, four of which were cancelled during the week of.

Ian McCall
BornIan Gregory McCall
(1984-07-05) July 5, 1984 (age 40)
Costa Mesa, California, U.S.
Other namesUncle Creepy
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight136 lb (62 kg; 9 st 10 lb)
DivisionFlyweight
Bantamweight
StyleWrestling, Kung Fu
Fighting out ofDana Point, California, United States
TeamTeam Oyama
RankBlack belt in Kung Fu[1]
black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2002–2018
Mixed martial arts record
Total21
Wins13
By knockout4
By submission3
By decision6
Losses7
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision4
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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McCall was born in Costa Mesa, California and has an older brother, Bradley McCall. McCall got into many "fights" growing up and in his youth, he practiced kung fu. He competed in wrestling for Dana Hills High School where he was a standout and then continued later at Cuesta College, before dropping out to a knee injury. He was also known to fight kids at the town center. Often striking kids for no reason besides being a bully. He was also a part of a gang called the Lords of South County, where the gang would regularly start fights with random people, usually multiple people beating up one unsuspecting person. A few of them were charged for crimes, like former UFC fighter Rob Emerson, but Ian McCall escaped without charges. During one encounter, McCall attempted an uppercut against an unsuspecting person, but was countered with a right cross and knocked unconscious. During another scuffle, McCall actually punched a lady in the face but he claims he thought she was a man.[2]

Mixed martial arts career

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World Extreme Cagefighting

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In his WEC tenure, McCall defeated Coty Wheeler and lost to Charlie Valencia in 2007. McCall returned in 2009, but lost to Dominick Cruz.[3]

Tachi Palace Fights

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In February, McCall signed a deal with the California-based promotion, Tachi Palace Fights. Ian's first fight was against Jussier Formiga, who at the time was ranked as the #1 Flyweight in the world.[4] McCall upset Formiga with a unanimous decision victory.[5]

On May 6, 2011, McCall then defeated previously unbeaten prospect Dustin Ortiz at Tachi Palace Fights 9, setting up an August 5, 2011 championship bout with the TPF Flyweight Champion Darrell Montague at TPF 10: Tachi Palace Fights 10. He won the title by submitting Montague in round 3 with a rear naked choke.[6]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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McCall signed with the UFC in December 2011 to compete in a four-man Flyweight Tournament to determine the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion. He faced Demetrious Johnson in the opening round of the tournament on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann.[7] Johnson was initially thought to have defeated McCall by majority decision, though was later revealed that a scoring error had taken place and a majority draw was the correct result.[8][9] This fight was the first flyweight bout in UFC history.

A rematch with Johnson took place on June 8, 2012, at UFC on FX 3 to determine who would meet Joseph Benavidez in the finals of the flyweight tournament.[10] McCall lost the bout via unanimous decision.[11]

McCall was briefly linked to a bout with promotional newcomer John Moraga on August 4, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera.[12] However, McCall was forced out of the bout with an issue with police and replaced by Ulysses Gomez.[13]

McCall next faced Joseph Benavidez on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156.[14] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[15]

McCall faced Iliarde Santos on August 3, 2013, at UFC 163.[16] He won the fight via unanimous decision, earning his first UFC win. The fight also earned him his second Fight of the Night bonus award.[17]

McCall was slated to face Scott Jorgensen on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9,[18] but was ruled out of the bout due to injury.[19]

McCall was expected to face Brad Pickett on March 8 at UFC Fight Night 37 in London, England.[20] However, on 13 February, it was announced that McCall had pulled out of the bout due to injury[21] and was replaced by promotional newcomer Neil Seery.[22]

The rescheduled bout with Pickett took place on July 19, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 46.[23] McCall won the bout by unanimous decision, having out struck Pickett across three rounds, while displaying strong takedowns and effective ground and pound.[24]

McCall was expected to face John Lineker on November 8, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 56 as the co-main event.[25] Although both fighters successfully made weight, it was announced just hours after the weigh in that McCall had been pulled from the event due to a blood infection. The bout was pulled from the event entirely.[26][27]

The bout with Lineker eventually took place on January 31, 2015, at UFC 183.[28] McCall lost the fight by unanimous decision.[29]

A rematch with Dustin Ortiz was expected to take place on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73.[30] However, McCall pulled out of the fight in late July citing injury and was replaced by Willie Gates.[31]

McCall was expected to face Justin Scoggins on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201.[32] However, only 2 days before the event, Scoggins announced he was not going to make the contracted weight. The UFC pulled Scoggins and canceled the bout.[33]

McCall was expected to face Ray Borg on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203.[34] However, Borg pulled out of the fight on September 7 citing an illness. With no time to find a suitable replacement, McCall was removed from the card.[35]

McCall was expected to face Neil Seery on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 99.[36] However, McCall was pulled from the fight one day before it was scheduled to take place. It was rebooked for UFC 208, and this time Seery pulled out of what was expected to be his retirement bout two weeks before.[37][38]

McCall was expected to face Jarred Brooks on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208. However, McCall was pulled from the fight the day it was scheduled to take place due to gastrointestinal illness.[39]

McCall was granted his requested release from the UFC in October 2017.[40]

Rizin Fighting Federation

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On October 16, 2017, it was announced that McCall had signed with Japan's Rizin Fighting Federation.[41]

McCall's debut was against Manel Kape, as part of Rizin's 2017 Bantamweight World Grand Prix.[42] He lost the fight in the first round by doctor's stoppage due to a cut from the ring ropes.[43]

For his second fight for the promotion, McCall faced fellow UFC veteran Kyoji Horiguchi in the main event at Rizin 10 on May 6, 2018.[44] He lost the fight via knockout just nine seconds into the first round.

Retirement

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On May 21, 2018, McCall announced his retirement during The MMA Hour podcast.[45][46]

Professional grappling career

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McCall competed against Mike John at Subversiv 10 on April 13, 2024.[47] He lost the match by submission.[48]

Personal life

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McCall has a young daughter and a stepson.

In a 2012 interview with Ariel Helwani, McCall stated that during a hiatus after his last fight in the WEC he overdosed on a combination of oxycodone, GHB, Xanax and other tranquilizers. He awoke two days later in a hospital and later found out his breathing and heartbeat had both stopped. He was revived and recovered to full health within a matter of weeks.[49]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
21 matches 13 wins 7 losses
By knockout 4 2
By submission 3 1
By decision 6 4
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 13–7–1 Kyoji Horiguchi KO (punch) Rizin 10 May 6, 2018 1 0:09 Fukuoka, Japan
Loss 13–6–1 Manel Kape TKO (doctor stoppage) Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: 2nd Round December 29, 2017 1 1:48 Saitama, Japan 2017 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Loss 13–5–1 John Lineker Decision (unanimous) UFC 183 January 31, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (130 lbs) bout; Lineker missed weight.
Win 13–4–1 Brad Pickett Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao July 19, 2014 3 5:00 Dublin, Ireland
Win 12–4–1 Iliarde Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC 163 August 3, 2013 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fight of the Night.
Loss 11–4–1 Joseph Benavidez Decision (unanimous) UFC 156 February 2, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–3–1 Demetrious Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Johnson vs. McCall June 8, 2012 3 5:00 Sunrise, Florida, United States UFC Flyweight Tournament semifinal.
Draw 11–2–1 Demetrious Johnson Draw (majority) UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann March 3, 2012 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia UFC Flyweight Tournament Semifinal; Fight of the Night.
Win 11–2 Darrell Montague Submission (rear-naked choke) TPF 10: Let The Chips Fall August 5, 2011 3 2:15 Lemoore, California, United States Won Tachi Palace Fights Flyweight Championship.
Win 10–2 Dustin Ortiz Decision (unanimous) TPF 9: The Contenders May 6, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 9–2 Jussier Formiga Decision (unanimous) TPF 8: All or Nothing February 18, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Flyweight debut.
Win 8–2 Jeff Willingham Submission (triangle choke) MEZ Sports: Pandemonium 3 November 19, 2010 1 2:17 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss 7–2 Dominick Cruz Decision (unanimous) WEC 38 January 25, 2009 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 7–1 Kevin Dunsmoor Decision (unanimous) Total Combat 32 October 2, 2008 3 5:00 El Cajon, California, United States
Loss 6–1 Charlie Valencia Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 31 December 12, 2007 1 3:19 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–0 Coty Wheeler TKO (punches) WEC 30 September 5, 2007 3 4:34 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 5–0 Rick McCorkell KO (punch) Battle in the Ballroom: Summer Fist 2007 June 28, 2007 1 0:13 Costa Mesa, California, United States
Win 4–0 Chris David Decision (unanimous) Total Combat 15 July 15, 2006 3 N/A San Diego, California, United States
Win 3–0 Musa Toliver TKO (corner stoppage) WFC: Rumble at the Ramada December 8, 2005 2 N/A Norwalk, California, United States
Win 2–0 Chris Acevedo TKO (corner stoppage) Crown Fighting Championship 1 September 4, 2004 1 N/A Rosarito Beach, Mexico
Win 1–0 Jerry Samson Submission (rear-naked choke) Warriors Quest 6: Best of the Best August 3, 2002 2 2:32 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ufc.com
  2. ^ Sherdog.com. "Ian McCall's Violent Delights - Shakespeare Comes to the Cage".
  3. ^ "Ian "Uncle Creepy" McCall". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  4. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  5. ^ "Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings - Flyweight". sherdog.com. 2012-06-28.
  6. ^ "Montague-McCall Title Bout Targeted for Tachi Palace Fights 10". Sherdog.com. May 12, 2011.
  7. ^ "UFC adds flyweights: Johnson vs. McCall, Benavidez vs. Urushitani at UFC on FX 2". mmajunkie.com. December 11, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012.
  8. ^ "UFC on FX 2 Main Card Results". UFC.com. March 3, 2012.
  9. ^ "Breaking news: Demetrious Johnson vs Ian McCall result overturned, majority draw requires rematch". mmamania.com. March 3, 2012.
  10. ^ "Johnson-McCall rematch slated for UFC on FX 3". mmajunkie.com. March 20, 2012. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  11. ^ Mrosko, Geno (11 June 2012). "UFC on FX 3 results recap: Demetrious Johnson vs Ian McCall event wrap up from Las Vegas". mmamania.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  12. ^ "Ian McCall vs. John Moraga added to UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles". mmajunkie.com. July 19, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  13. ^ "Ulysses Gomez slotted to face John Moraga at UFC on FOX 4". mmajunkie.com. July 23, 2012. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  14. ^ "Flyweights Joseph [sic] Benavidez vs. Ian McCall on tap for UFC 156 in February". mmajunkie.com. December 4, 2012.
  15. ^ Erickson, Matt (3 February 2013). "UFC 156 results/photos: Joseph Benavidez gets past Ian McCall with unanimous nod". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  16. ^ John Petit (June 8, 2013). "Ian McCall and Iliarde Santos Lined Up For UFC 163". fighters.com. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  17. ^ Staff (2013-08-04). "UFC 163 bonuses: Perosh, Moraes, McCall, Santos earn $50,000 awards". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  18. ^ Staff (2013-09-17). "Scott Jorgensen drops to flyweight, meets Ian McCall at UFC on FOX 9". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2013-09-17.
  19. ^ Dave Reid (2013-08-22). "Ian McCall Out Of UFC On Fox 9 Bout With Scott Jorgsensen". mmainsider.net. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  20. ^ Dave Reid (2013-12-10). "Brad Pickett vs Ian McCall & Two More Bouts Set For UFC's Return To London". mmainsider.net. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  21. ^ Staff (2014-02-13). "Ian McCall out at UFC Fight Night 37, replacement opponent sought for Brad Pickett". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  22. ^ Staff (2014-02-20). "Irish newcomer Neil Seery meets Brad Pickett at UFC Fight Night 37 in London". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  23. ^ Ariel Helwani (2014-04-25). "Ian McCall vs. Brad Pickett targeted for UFC Dublin". sportv.gobo.com. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  24. ^ Doyle, Dave (19 July 2014). "UFC Fight Night 46 results: Ian McCall states his case against Brad Pickett". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  25. ^ Staff (2014-09-04). "John Lineker meets Ian McCall at UFC Fight Night 56 in Brazil". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-04.
  26. ^ Luke Thomas (2014-11-08). "Ian McCall out of his bout with John Lineker at UFC Fight Night 56". mmafighting.com.
  27. ^ Luke Thomas (2014-11-08). "Ian McCall cites blood infection for withdrawal from John Lineker fight at UFC Fight Night 56".
  28. ^ Damon Martin (2014-11-25). "Ian McCall vs. John Lineker rescheduled for UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2014-11-25.
  29. ^ Doyle, Dave (31 January 2015). "UFC 183 results: John Lineker decisions Ian McCall after missing weight again". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  30. ^ Dave Doyle (2015-06-16). "Flyweight contenders Ian McCall, Dustin Ortiz meet in Nashville". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-06-16.
  31. ^ Staff (2015-07-23). "UFC Fight Night 73 fight card lineup finalized following Uriah Hall and Dustin Ortiz receiving new opponents". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  32. ^ Mike Sloan (2016-05-21). "Ian McCall to make octagon return at UFC 201 opposite Justin Scoggins". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  33. ^ Staff (2016-07-28). "Video: Weight-cutting issues force Justin Scoggins out of UFC 201 vs. McCall (updated)". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-28.
  34. ^ Brian Martin (2016-08-04). "Ian McCall vs. Ray Borg added to UFC 203 in Cleveland". dailynews.com. Retrieved 2016-08-04.
  35. ^ Staff (2016-09-08). "Lightning strikes again for Ian McCall: Fight with Ray Borg pulled from Saturday's UFC 203". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-08.
  36. ^ Staff (2016-09-20). "Ian McCall vs. Neil Seery announced for UFC Fight Night 99 in Belfast". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
  37. ^ Ben Blake (2016-11-18). "Heartbreak for Seery as farewell UFC bout suffers late cancellation". The42.ie. Retrieved 2016-11-18.
  38. ^ Sherdog.com. "Neil Seery Pulls Out of UFC 208 Due To Family Death, Ian McCall Bout Off Once Again".
  39. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (2017-02-11). "McCall Pulled from UFC 208 Bout". UFC. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  40. ^ Marc Raimondi (2017-10-09). "Ian McCall granted release from UFC contract". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2017-10-09.
  41. ^ MMA Fighting Newswire (16 October 2017). "Ian McCall to fight in Rizin bantamweight grand prix on Dec. 29". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  42. ^ Jay Anderson (2017-10-16). "Ian McCall Signs with RIZIN FF, Joins Bantamweight Grand Prix". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
  43. ^ Rondina, Steven. "MMA's Unluckiest Fighter Ian McCall Finds Strange Way to Lose at Rizin FF". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  44. ^ Chris Nelson (2018-04-22). "Ex-UFC Flyweights Kyoji Horiguchi, Ian McCall Headline Finalized Rizin 10 Fight Card". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2018-04-22.
  45. ^ Alexander K. Lee (May 21, 2018). "Ian McCall announces retirement". mmafighting.com.
  46. ^ "Following nine-second KO loss, Ian McCall retires from MMA". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2018-05-21.
  47. ^ Phillips, Sabrina. "Full Lineup Announced For Subversiv 10". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  48. ^ "Subversiv 10 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  49. ^ "Ian McCall: 'Not That Long Ago, I Was Dead'". youtube.com. May 28, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
  50. ^ Breen, Jordan (4 January 2012). "Sherdog's 2011 Comeback Fighter of the Year: Ian McCall". sherdog.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  51. ^ Breen, Jordan (6 January 2012). "Sherdog.com's 2011 All-Violence Team". sherdog.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
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