Jeff Hougland

Jeffery Ryan Hougland (born August 2, 1978) is a retired American professional mixed martial artist. A professional from 2002 until 2012, he competed for the UFC and WEC.

Early career
Hougland started fighting professionally in 2002. He fought once for World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) at WEC 6 and lost to future Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez via second-round TKO. After losing his next fight, he won eight fights in a row. He then signed with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hougland made his promotional debut at UFC 132 against fellow UFC newcomer Donny Walker. Hougland showed off an excellent ground game with multiple submission attempts throughout all three rounds. Hougland won the fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

Hougland's second UFC outing was expected to take place against Mike Easton on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6. However, Hougland was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Byron Bloodworth.

Hougland was briefly linked to a bout against Renan Barão on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148. However, Hougland served as a replacement for Mike Easton and faced Yves Jabouin on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier. Hougland lost the fight via unanimous decision after getting dominated by Jabouin's superior standup.

He was expected to face Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 151 on September 1, 2012. However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, his bout with Mizugaki was rescheduled for November 10, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 6. Hougland was dominated for all three rounds, losing via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27). Hougland was subsequently released from the promotion.