Jack Hermansson is an up-and-coming UFC star who’s been worldwide on his path to ultimate fighting. The Swedish MMA fighter picked up combat sports when he was just nine years old. While it took him several years to get to the biggest fight company in the world, his fascinating journey goes back to his very first fight as a child. 

Jack Hermansson becomes ‘The Joker’

It didn’t take long for Hermansson to fall in love with fighting, details MMA Viking. He took up Greco-Roman wrestling at just nine years old and hasn’t looked back 23 years later. Greco-Roman wrestling was the ideal place for a young fighter like him to spread his wings. After all, it is the Olympics’ chosen style, with many of the most famous fighters in history having roots in it. 

Despite its name, Greco-Roman wrestling has origins in France dating back over 200 years. Unlike UFC, Greco-Roman wrestling does not allow its fighters to use their legs to get a fall, and they cannot hold their opponent beneath the waist. While it may seem tame compared to MMA fighting, Greco-Roman helps teach fighters discipline, and it may explain Hermansson’s career since. 

Hermansson moved to Norway to hone his skills. Greco-Roman wrestling is a big deal in Scandinavian countries, as it spread through the region like a wildfire upon its inception. This rich history means that a young, aspiring fighter such as Hermansson will have no problems finding a place to train as long as he puts in all the work. 

As Hermansson reached adulthood, however, he started to look bigger toward the world of MMA. 

Hermansson finds his passion

Hermansson fought in his first pro bout at just 21 years old — three years after he switched to the more violent fighting sports, reports Sherdog. His first fight was at ECFF Impact against Chris Greig, who he knocked out in the third round. After defeating the next four CWFC opponents, he signed with Bellator in 2012. This wasn’t an easy transition, however, and Hermansson lost both his bouts with the company.

Hermansson returned to CWFC for four fights not as a defeated man but as a fighter who is always willing to put in the work and put those losses behind him. After his Bellator losses, he traveled around several companies as his name grew. Then, in 2016, he signed with the UFC and won his first bout against Scott Askham. Although he lost his next fight, Hermansson was making his name.

Over the next four years, he had a roller coaster journey that included two losses, seven wins, and growing status in the UFC community. Now, he is getting ready to fight the biggest one of his career, and it’s not been without its challenges. 

Jack Hermansson vs. Kevin Holland

Hermansson was supposed to fight Darren Till on the main card at the December Fight Night event in Las Vegas. However, after an injury forced Till out of the fight, Hermansson was then set to face Kevin Holland, reports MMA Junkie, but Holland pulled out in the days leading up to it. Now, he will face Italian fighter Marvin Vettori in the fight. 

While the 32-year-old still isn’t at the top of his sport, Hermansson has shown he has what it takes to not only overcome adversity but treat every fight like it’s his last. Fans can watch him fight on ESPN, and despite now being on his third potential opponent, it’s clear that Hermansson will be prepared thanks to his journey that led him to the big stage.