After a lengthy amateur and professional career not competing below 155 pounds, Rob Hanna (6-0) will make his featherweight debut this weekend, when he will take on Matt DiMarcantonio (8-5) for the 145-pound title in the main event at IT Fight Series 38 in Dayton, Ohio.
“The cut to 145 is like a new lifestyle,” Hanna told BluegrassMMA.com. “I made huge changes in what and how I eat. I basically eat only fruit, vegetables and lean protein. I also take soy and aminos.”
Despite being one of the top ranked fighters in the Midwest at 155 pounds, the Bellator veteran decided after his last bout against Mike Wilkins at Gladiators of the Cage 18 that he needed to drop a weight class if he wanted to make a run at one of the big organizations.
In order to mix things up, Hanna has spent a good chunk of his training camp traveling as far as Pittsburgh to train with some of the best fighters in the Ohio Valley.
“This has been a great camp! I have the opportunity to travel some and work with a lot of talented people and coaches,” Hanna said, mentioning that he trained with the likes of Bob Meese, former opponent Joey Holt, Mark Cherico, Khama Worthy, and Francis Healy during a trip to Pittsburgh.
He also did some training with Scott Sheeley’s Iron Tiger Fight Team, including UFC veteran Justin Edwards, Timmy McCavit, and fellow IT Fight Series 38 fighter Tray Taylor. He worked on his striking with former Rich Franklin striking coach Rob Radford and pro boxer Terry Dickson, among others.
It’s interesting that Hanna mixed things up and trained with Worthy especially, who faced DiMarcantonio and surely gave Rob tips on how to handle the lanky Canadian striker.
“I think DiMarcantonio is a great fighter and skilled in every aspect of the sport,” Hanna said. “I believe this is a huge opportunity to show case all my strengths as a complete MMA fighter and a victory moves me up the rankings in the featherweight division nationally and internationally!”
IT Fight Series 38 takes place at the Action Sports Center in Dayton, Ohio this Saturday, November 21. You can check out the full 16-bout card here.
Rob would like to thank his friends and family for support and also his daughters Bridget, Faye and Abby. He would also like to thank his sponsors:
Indigo Yoga of Dayton
Interstate Ford of Miamisburgh
Johny the Furnace Man of Beavercreek
James Anderson of Stickem Up Signs and Decals
Don Litke, Altercation Clothing
Pure Bio Nutrients Francisco Mendiola
AMD Construction
Anthony Revils with South Paw USA