Coughlan has a background in Judo having competed in many tournaments mostly throughout Ireland. He won the Irish National Judo Championships title in 2014, the Irish Open title in 2013, and was a runner up at the nationals several times.

 
While doing MMA training in 2021 Ian fell badly, and suffered a severe spinal injury, rendering him paralysed. A GoFundMe page was set up in an effort to help him afford life changing surgery which is only available in Germany, and reached its €73,000 goal in late 2021. John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland also set up a super seminar event to help raise awareness and funds for the cause. Coughlan is now expected to undergo surgeries, and embark on a long rehabilitative road to recovery.