Originally from Pacific, Missouri, Justin Lawrence began training at the age of six under his step-father, Benny Voyles, a former professional boxer and kickboxer who owns his own gym in St Louis, Missouri.
30 Facts About Justin Lawrence
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Justin Lawrence would go on to become a two-time St Louis' Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament Champion, and compile over 150 amateur kickboxing wins.
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In kickboxing, Justin Lawrence was a six-time IKF International Kickboxing Federation National Kickboxing Champion, and a two-time Pan-American Kickboxing Champion.
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Justin 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.
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In 2007 Justin Lawrence began his MMA career, taking his first amateur fight, winning in the first round via submission.
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Justin Lawrence's opponent was highly touted Russian fighter, Max Martyniouk, who was making his professional debut.
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Justin Lawrence dominated throughout the bout but after Justin Lawrence delivered a soccer kick to the head of the downed Martyniouk the fight was forced to go to a technical decision.
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Justin Lawrence fought Pete Martin winning the fight via unanimous decision.
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Justin Lawrence then fought Jason Webb on November 11,2011 at Fight Me MMA 3.
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Justin Lawrence won the fight via submission in the first round.
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In February 2012, it was revealed that Justin Lawrence was selected to be a participant on The Ultimate Fighter: Live.
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Justin Lawrence defeated two-time WEC veteran James Krause via TKO to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.
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Justin Lawrence was selected as the first overall pick by Dominick Cruz to take part on Team Cruz.
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Justin Lawrence was able to defeat Marcello by knockout at 3:15 of the second round, earning a place in the quarter-finals.
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Justin Lawrence was mounted early in the third round and lost via TKO, eliminating him from the competition.
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Justin Lawrence made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1,2012 against fellow TUF cast member, John Cofer.
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Justin Lawrence won via KO due to a head kick in the opening seconds of the third round.
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The performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors, with Justin Lawrence earning a Knockout of the Night bonus.
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Justin Lawrence made his Featherweight debut, dropping down to face Max Holloway on August 11,2012 at UFC 150.
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Justin Lawrence next faced Daniel Pineda on April 13,2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.
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Justin Lawrence lost the fight via submission in the first round and was released from the promotion.
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Justin Lawrence faced Luis Saldana at RFA 10 on October 25,2013.
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Justin Lawrence made his debut against Sean Wilson on June 19,2015 at Bellator 138.
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Justin Lawrence instead faced Emmanuel Sanchez after Curran pulled out of the bout due to a knee injury.
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Justin Lawrence next faced Isao Kobayashi at Bellator 157: Dynamite 2 on June 24,2016.
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Justin Lawrence won the fight via knockout in the second round.
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Justin Lawrence faced John Teixeira at Bellator 167 on December 3,2016.
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Justin Lawrence faced Treston Thomison at Bellator 181 on July 14,2017.
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Justin Lawrence won the fight via TKO due to doctor stoppage in the first round.
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Justin Lawrence faced Andrew Natividad at Bellator 193 on January 26,2018.