Ivan Erslan

Biggest difference in training for this fight? Nothing changed for this fight compared to others. I was 10 weeks preparing at American Top Team in Florida, training with the best guys in the world. I fought high level fighters before, so this is not new to me.

When and why did you start training for fighting? ⁠I started at 19 years old because of my brother. He was involved in martial arts, so he dragged me to the gym and that’s how it started. He wanted me to learn something valuable except just lifting weights, which is what I did previous to coming to a MMA gym.

What professional titles have you held? No professional titles. I fought two times for KSW belt.

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? ⁠I was Croatian national champion

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? The toughest fight so far was fighting for the KSW belt against Ibragim Chuzhigaev. Although I lost the fight, it was a five-round war and Fight of the Night, so ‘til this day it remains my toughest, but favorite, fight.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? ⁠My favorite fighter is Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic. It’s easy - he is Croatian and one of the biggest names that ever stepped into the cage.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I did start college but never finished.

What was your job before you started fighting? I never had a normal job. I did a bouncer job because it was the easiest job to combine with training.

Personal Life/Background: I am married, and I have two kids. Son and daughter - 2.5 years daughter and 7 months old son. In my free time, I like to hang out with my kids. I miss them a lot because we are far away when I go to training camps, so I want to make up time with them.