Before Ian Heinisch was a UFC athlete, he had somewhat of a checkered past. Mistakes were made, a prison sentence was served, and thankfully he ultimately was able to turn his life around. The grit obtained from having experience overcoming struggle, and a college wrestling background has allowed Heinisch to reach the highest level of the sport.

Heinisch tells UFC Ultimate Sound that he chooses “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan for his entrance music because it embodies what he is trying to be. To be someone who overcomes so much and gets out of prison to become a world champion. While he doesn’t compare the magnitude of his story to that of the song’s subject, Rubin Carter. The fundamentals of overcoming life in solitary confinement to go onto greatness are there and it inspires him.

There is quite the contrast in music genres on Heinisch’s playlists, the music he listens to needs to fit the mindset he is getting into. The Middleweight finds that as he has gotten older, he likes to listen to positive, faith- encouraging music from artists such as Lacrae or KB. After the big victories, Heinisch likes to rock “Taste” by Tyga. The song reminds him of when he was in Argentina for his UFC debut, and they were bumping it in celebration of his first UFC win.

Music speaks to us in so many ways and is the catalyst for us overcoming life’s hurdles. When you have access to top UFC Athletes’ playlists they use to get through their daily struggles. You’re empowered with professionally curated soundtracks that are specifically designed for you to achieve optimal performance by opening the app and pressing play.

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