Yves Jabouin

Fernand Yves Jabouin (born May 30, 1979) is a Haitian-Canadian mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, Jabouin has also formerly competed for the WEC.

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.

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.

Jabouin was scheduled to face fellow Canadian Mark Hominick on January 10, 2010 at WEC 46, but was forced off the card with an injury. Jabouin was replaced by Bryan Caraway.

The fight eventually took place on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49. Jabouin was defeated by Hominick via second round TKO, in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.

Jabouin defeated Brandon Visher via unanimous decision on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.

Jabouin lost to Pablo Garza on April 30, 2011 at UFC 129, via submission (flying triangle choke) in the first round.

Jabouin won against Ian Loveland by split decision on August 27, 2011 at UFC 134.

Jabouin defeated Walel Watson via split decision December 10, 2011 at UFC 140 in a close back-and-forth fight.

Jabouin was expected to face Mike Easton on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier. However, Easton was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Jeff Hougland. Jabouin showed superior striking and was able to drop Hougland multiple times with a variety of strikes en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Jabouin was knocked out by Brad Pickett in the first round on September 29, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 5.

Jabouin was expected to face Johnny Eduardo on March 16, 2013 at UFC 158. However, on March 6, Eduardo was forced to pull out of the bout citing a shoulder injury. Jabouin was then pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.

Jabouin faced Dustin Pague on June 15, 2013 at UFC 161. He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.

Jabouin faced Eddie Wineland at UFC on Fox 10. Jabouin lost the fight via TKO in the second round.

Jabouin faced Mike Easton on June 14, 2014 at UFC 174. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Jabouin faced Thomas Almeida on April 25, 2015 at UFC 186. Jabouin lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Jabouin faced Felipe Arantes on August 23, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 74. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.