Fernand Yves Jabouin (born May 30, 1979) is a retired Haitian-Canadian mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, Jabouin also formerly competed for the WEC.
Background
Jabouin was born in Haiti, where he lived until he fled the war-torn country with his mother and two siblings, relocating in Canada. Jabouin began practicing the martial arts from a young age, as his father was a fan of Chuck Norris and the young Jabouin would often go to his local movie theatre to watch Kung Fu films. Jabouin attended college and graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, and used to work as an animator for television commercials.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Jabouin made his professional debut in 2001 on the regional circuit, fighting mostly in his native Canada and holding a professional record of 14–4 with 11 wins via knockout before being signed by the WEC.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Jabouin made his WEC debut against Raphael Assunção on October 10, 2009, at WEC 43, losing via split decision.[2]
Jabouin was scheduled to face fellow Canadian Mark Hominick on January 10, 2010, at WEC 46,[3] but was forced off the card with an injury.[4] Jabouin was replaced by Bryan Caraway.
The fight eventually took place on June 20, 2010, at WEC 49.[5] Jabouin was defeated by Hominick via second-round TKO, in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.
Jabouin defeated Walel Watson via split decision December 10, 2011, at UFC 140 in a close back-and-forth fight.[9]
Jabouin was expected to face Mike Easton on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.[10] However, Easton was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Jeff Hougland.[11] Jabouin showed superior striking and was able to drop Hougland multiple times with a variety of strikes en route to a unanimous decision victory.[12]
Jabouin was expected to face Johnny Eduardo on March 16, 2013, at UFC 158.[14] However, on March 6, Eduardo was forced to pull out of the bout citing a shoulder injury.[15] Jabouin was then pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.[16]
Jabouin faced Dustin Pague on June 15, 2013, at UFC 161.[17] He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.
Jabouin faced Mike Easton on June 14, 2014, at UFC 174.[20] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[21]
Jabouin faced Thomas Almeida on April 25, 2015, at UFC 186.[22] Jabouin lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[23]
Jabouin faced Felipe Arantes on August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74.[24] He lost the fight via submission in the first round, and was subsequently released from the promotion.[25]
