While fans know Austen Lane for his transition from pro football to MMA, it’s the ink covering his body that truly chronicles his unique path, with each piece holding a story few have heard. Former NFL star and Heavyweight MMA fighter Austen Lane is gearing up for a steep challenge for his next bout at the UFC. However, unlike the usual times, this time Lane is making his light heavyweight debut. In front of him will be the undefeated Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski on the main card of UFC Fight Night 270, also known as UFC London, this weekend.

The card will be headlined by a bout between featherweight contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, and Lane vs. Baraniewski will inject some excitement into the event, being the only light heavyweight bout on that night. As the former NFL star sets up for this bout, we take a look at his magnificent tattoos.

What Is the Meaning Behind Austen Lane’s Tattoos?

Along with multiple other fighters, including Sean O’Malley and Cody Garbrandt, Austen Lane is one of the more inked fighters in the UFC. While the UFC has no shortage of tattoo enthusiasts, Lane is up there in the top percentile of the most tattooed guys in the Las Vegas-based promotion. His most distinctive tattoo is a ‘Big Boy’ tattoo on his right arm. It is a reference to a former fast food chain that was Austen’s favorite.

The tattoo has a picture of the chain’s mascot as well as the phrase “Doing Big Boy Things in a Big Boy World.” The tattoo, which traces back to his days with the Detroit Lions, features the ‘Big Boy’ mascot from Michigan’s burger chain holding a football instead of a hamburger, and serves as a motivation for him. On his right side, the former football player has the phrase ‘STAY TRUE’ tattooed vertically in capital letters, which likely symbolizes his commitment to the sport.

So, it clearly depicts how Lane loves to get things tattooed that he loves on his body. But is that all? Does the UFC fighter have any other tattoos?

Are there any other tattoos on Austen Lane’s body?

Apart from his right-arm tattoo, Austen Lane has ink on various parts of his body. The former NFL star’s entire chest, torso, and shoulders have a distinctive tattoo that is made up of various elements.

It has a picture of a ship towards the left with the phrase ‘BURN THE BOATS’ written on it. The tattoo is directly related to his decision to leave the NFL behind and fully commit to a new, uncertain career in MMA. It traces back to ‘burning the boats,’ which was used as a strategy to eliminate the possibility of retreat, thereby forcing total commitment. Along with this, it has a bevy of motifs, designs, and even numbers on it. The floral and animal motifs continue from his chest to his right wrist. His left bicep has a tattoo of a humanoid figure along with some more patterns and motifs.

So, that’s all when it comes to the inks on Lane’s body. But when we talk about Lane’s records in the UFC, it is not very glamorous. The 38-year-old entered the leading MMA promotion in 2022 through Dana White’s Contender Series. 

But his journey in the UFC has been tumultuous. Apart from his victory over Robelis Despaigne and a no-contest against Justin Tafa, Lane has lost all four of his other fights. Surely, at UFC London this weekend, he would want to change that. 

However, Lane’s opponent, Iwo Baraniewski, has an unblemished professional MMA record of 7-0. And his fight against the former NFL star will be his second bout in the UFC. That said, who do you think wins between Lane and Baraniewski? Let us know in the comments below!