Who Trains UFC’s Dustin Jacoby? Coach, Gym, Teammates, and More

Dustin Jacoby has always been a beacon of positivity and honesty, both in the cage and out. At 36 years old, Jacoby boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 19 wins, including 12 knockouts—a testament to his striking prowess and versatility in combining freestyle techniques. However, his journey to success hasn’t been a solo endeavor. Behind every win is a dedicated team of coaches who have shaped his career and instilled in him invaluable lessons about life and the fight game.

One such lesson stands out, “There are lots of guys in the gym. You can tell they’re not fully mentally there. This is a game you can’t be. Coaches always said it. I’ve always known it. You can’t be one foot in, one foot out because it’s a dangerous game.” Jacoby shared this insight on the Mountain Side Podcast, underscoring the importance of commitment in such a high-stakes sport. And it seems that fans can’t wait to see how ‘The Hanyak’ builds on this legacy.

Which gym does Dustin Jacoby train at? Who are his teammates?

In a recent interview ahead of his fight with Vitor Petrino, Dustin Jacoby reflected on the resilience that has defined his career. ‘The Hanyak’ highlighted the importance of “short-term memory and bulletproof confidence” as his tools for navigating the highs and lows of MMA.

From competing in kickboxing under the GLORY banner to testing his mettle in MMA organizations like Bellator, World Series of Fighting, and Titan FC, Jacoby has worn many hats in the world of combat. His time in GLORY Kickboxing was particularly formative; during this period, he trained at Hemmers Gym in Holland and earned an impressive 10 victories as a middleweight.

While juggling kickboxing and MMA early in his career, Jacoby ultimately chose to pursue kickboxing full-time. Reflecting on that decision in an interview with the UFC, he said, “I told my coach (Marc Montoya) when I left MMA, ‘I just don’t see myself being a world champion in MMA, but I see myself being a world champion in kickboxing.’ That’s when I began kickboxing full-time, and sure enough, I got that opportunity to fight for a world title. I came up a little bit short against one of the best there is, Simon Marcus, but I had made it there.”

The bond between Jacoby and his longtime coach, Marc Montoya, has been pivotal throughout his career. Based at Factory X Muay Thai, Montoya has stood by Jacoby through the peaks and valleys of his journey, imparting wisdom and pushing him to grow as a fighter and individual.

Meet Marc Montoya, Dustin Jacoby’s coach

Marc Montoya is a world-renowned MMA coach and the driving force behind Factory X. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Montoya has shaped the careers of countless fighters, earning recognition along the way. He was nominated for 2018 Coach of the Year by the World MMA Awards. Additionally, he also won Colorado MMA Coach of the Year in both 2012 and 2014.

Factory X, under Montoya’s leadership, has produced exceptional fighters such as Dustin Jacoby, Anthony Smith, and James Krause, among others. Jacoby shared his admiration for his coach during an appearance on the Mountain Side Podcast. Describing Montoya’s personality and coaching style, he said, “He [Montoya] is a great dude. He’s passionate. He is not like a sit-by-the-wayside type of guy. He is a take-control and get-after-it type of guy. The biggest thing is he’s going to challenge you. He’s a great mentor. We’re buddies and friends. He always says, ‘If we become friends, awesome, but it’s not my job to be your friend.’ That’s what he takes seriously too.”

What truly sets Factory X apart, according to Montoya, is its unique culture—a value he prioritizes above all else. “The thing that I focus most on to this day is culture. Because there has to be a standard, there has to be a good fit—and the culture we have around here is a hardworking family,” Montoya explained.

Montoya’s passion for fostering personal growth has already left an indelible mark on MMA. Fighters like Dustin Jacoby embody this legacy, carrying forward the principles instilled at Factory X. With Jacoby stepping into his next fight against Vitor Petrino at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley, it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge. Stay tuned to find out!