Joshua Quinlan was born and raised on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where he was deeply influenced by the culture and mindset of aloha. An avid sports player, he gravitated toward soccer during his high school years. At the age of 18, Joshua took a significant step by pursuing collegiate soccer alongside an engineering degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. This transition marked a pivotal period in his life, as he experienced independence and the weight of his own decisions.
When he didn’t make the cut for the soccer team, Joshua took the time to reflect on where he could best invest his athletic abilities and competitive spirit. During a spring break trip to Las Vegas, he visited friends who were training at the world-renowned Wanderlei Silva's gym. After taking a class there, Joshua’s interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) was sparked, leading him to transfer from New Mexico to Las Vegas to continue his engineering degree while training in MMA.
Joshua’s journey in martial arts began with a jiu-jitsu tournament and a kickboxing smoker, followed by his first amateur MMA bout, where he emerged victorious. He continued to compete throughout his college career, establishing himself as an undefeated prospect in the amateur scene. In 2017, Joshua graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering but chose not to immediately enter the workforce. During this period, he won a title fight at a Tuff-N-Uff promotions event, defeating another undefeated fighter.
Unable to find a solid footing in his engineering career, Joshua settled into a role at Ahern, Extreme Manufacturing, as a compliance and analysis engineer under Jeff Eckhart. While this job provided financial stability, especially during the 2019 pandemic, Joshua’s passion for MMA led him to invest his free time into his fighting career. He decided to go professional, winning his first two professional fights. His success caught the attention of Iridium Sports Agency, which opened up better opportunities on the regional circuit.
In the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), Joshua went on a 3-0 run, bringing his professional record to 5-0. This impressive streak earned him a shot on Dana White's Contender Series, a platform offering fighters an opportunity to earn a UFC contract. Recognizing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Joshua decided to step away from his engineering job to dedicate himself fully to training. After three months of intense preparation, Joshua secured a victory in the Contender Series, solidifying his contract with the UFC in 2019.
Joshua made a powerful UFC debut in 2022, knocking out Jason Witt in just over two minutes. However, his UFC journey has not been without challenges. He faced adversity in his last two fights, including a loss to Danny Barlow earlier this year. Despite these setbacks, Joshua remains focused on learning and growing as a fighter, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and resilience. He credits his coach, Michael Costa, for helping him develop a warrior’s mindset, which he believes is crucial for navigating the highs and lows of his career.
Joshua continues to explore international options as he advances in his MMA career. His journey has brought him closer to God, deepening his understanding of divine guidance in his life, and instilling a mindset and work ethic that he carries with him to this day
