Journey Newson

Journey Newson (born March 7, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional since 2015, he is most notable for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background Newson grew up in the Merced, California area. Due to his mother's drug addiction and despite father's attempts to keep the family together, Journey and his siblings were taken into foster care when he was around the age of seven. He began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense around the age of 20 and shifted to mixed martial arts in a couple of years. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson next faced Domingo Pilarte at UFC 247 on February 8, 2020. He won the fight by TKO within the first minute of the fight. However, on March 25, it was announced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) that Newson had tested positive for marijuana during in-competition drug tests. His victory was overturned to a no contest and he was suspended for 30 days.

Newson was initially scheduled to face Randy Costa on September 26, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley. However, the event was shifted to take place on September 19, 2020, as UFC 253 was later scheduled for the original date. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Newson was scheduled to face Felipe Colares on May 1, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 23. However, Newson withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Luke Sanders.

Newson faced promotional newcomer Fernie Garcia on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson faced Sergey Morozov on December 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 216. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson was scheduled to face Brian Kelleher on April 29, 2023 at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón. However, Kelleher pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Marcus McGhee. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in round two.

On June 8, it was announced that Newson was not extended a new contract and no longer on the UFC roster.

Championships and accomplishments CageSport MMA CageSport Bantamweight Championship (one time) Prime Fighting MMA Prime Fighting Bantamweight Championship (one time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Marcus McGhee Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Sergey Morozov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Fernie Garcia Decision (unanimous) UFC 274

Phoenix, Arizona, United States Loss

Randy Costa KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States NC

Domingo Pilarte NC (overturned) UFC 247

Houston, Texas, United States Loss

Ricardo Ramos Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Win

Soslan Abanokov KO (punch) Final Fight Championship 36

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Chris SanJose TKO (punches) Prime Fighting 11

Ridgefield, Washington, United States Win

Tycen Lynn Decision (unanimous) Combat Games 60

Tulalip, Washington, United States Win

Anthony Zender TKO CageSport 46

Tacoma, Washington, United States Win

Jordan Mackin Submission (rear-naked choke) CageSport 44

Tacoma, Washington, United States Win

Anthony Zender Submission (guillotine choke) CageSport 43

Tacoma, Washington, United States Loss

Benito Lopez KO (punches) KOTC: Unchallenged

Oroville, California, United States Win

Shane Friesz Decision (unanimous) Super Fight League 49

Tacoma, Washington, United States Win

Justin Hugo Submission (triangle choke) Super Fight League 45

Tacoma, Washington, United States Win

Damon Wood Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Rogue Wave

Lincoln City, Oregon, United States Professional boxing record