Austen Douglas Lane[1] (born November 9, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist and former professional football defensive end currently competing in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
[2] Lane made 14.5 sacks on defense and caught 31 passes for 717 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense his senior year at Iola-Scandinavia High School.
[3] Following his senior year, he was named as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in FCS football.
He was named as a FCS first-team All-American by the Associated Press and was selected as the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
He also ended the year with intercepting a pass and returning it 21 yards for a touchdown in a victory over Austin Peay.
He scored a touchdown off a fumble recovery in the second quarter and the North squad went on to win the game over the South 31–13.
[10] He was reunited with his college coach Matt Griffin, who had previously been hired by the Jaguars as an offensive assistant.
[18] In November 2015, Lane made his amateur MMA debut, in which he defeated Micah Cross by knockout in the first round.
In April 2018, it was announced that Lane would face fellow former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy at Dana White's Contender Series 9 on June 12.
[23] Lane returned to the regional MMA circuit to gain more experience, amassing a record of 7 wins and 2 losses over the next four years.
[27] Less than thirty seconds into the bout, Lane eyepoked Tafa who was unable to continue, resulting in a no contest.
[34] Lane is scheduled to face promotional newcomer Mário Pinto on March 1, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 253.