Justin Ray Lawrence (born May 15, 1990) is an American former professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA.
Lawrence would go on to become a two-time St. Louis' Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament Champion, and compile over 150 amateur kickboxing wins.
[1][2][4] Lawrence began wrestling in the third grade, and was talented, placing in the state tournament multiple times as well as in football as a running back at Pacific High School.
In 2007 Lawrence began his MMA career, taking his first amateur fight, winning in the first round via submission (rear-naked choke).
[5] Lawrence's professional debut came on December 4, 2010 at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu II in St. Louis, Missouri.
His opponent was highly touted Russian fighter, Max Martyniouk, who was also making his professional debut.
[6] After the exposure from Strikeforce, Lawrence received a call from Ohio promotion, Bobish's Ultimate Cage Battles, to fight on their April 9, 2011 card.
[8] Lawrence defeated two-time WEC veteran James Krause via TKO to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.
[12] Lawrence made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012 against fellow TUF cast member, John Cofer.
Lawrence made his Featherweight debut, dropping down to face Max Holloway on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150.