Career
Early career
Hougland started fighting professionally in 2002. He fought once for World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) at WEC 6 and lost to future Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez via second round TKO. He then signed with the UFC. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hougland made his promotional debut at UFC 132 against fellow UFC newcomer Donny Walker. Hougland showed off an excellent ground game with multiple submission attempts throughout all three rounds.
Hougland"s second UFC outing was expected to take place against Mike Easton on October 1, 2011 at UFC on Versus 6.
However, Hougland was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Byron Bloodworth. Hougland was briefly linked to a bout against Renan Barão on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.
However, Hougland served as a replacement for Mike Easton and faced Yves Jabouin on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel television: Korean Zombie versus Poirier. Hougland lost the fight via unanimous decision after getting dominated by Jabouin"s superior standup.
He was expected to face Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 151 on September 1, 2012.
However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, his bout with Mizugaki was rescheduled for November 10, 2012 at UFC on Fuel television 6. Hougland was dominated for all three rounds, losing via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27). Hougland was subsequently released from the promotion.