Justin Jaynes

Justin Jaynes (born August 10, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. A professional since 2008, he most notably competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the former Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting (WXC) Lightweight champion.

Background Jaynes was born and grew up in Richmond, Michigan. In his senior year, Jaynes placed second at the 2007 Michigan High School state wrestling tournament, losing to Drakkar Klose in the finals.

Mixed martial arts career Early career With mixed martial arts in its early phases in Michigan, Jaynes fought 47 amateur bouts around the state before turning pro in 2013.

Jaynes fought in various regional circuits and fought multiple times overseas. He also made one appearance in Bellator. Jaynes won the WXC Lightweight title and made one successful defense before leaving for the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship After a cornerman for Matt Frevola tested positive for COVID-19, Jaynes stepped in to fight Frank Camacho on three days notice. At the weigh-ins, Camacho weighed in at 158 pounds, 2 pounds over the allotted non-title lightweight limit of 156 pounds. The bout proceeded as a catchweight and Camacho was fined 20 percent of his purse which went to Jaynes. Jaynes won the fight via knockout in the first round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Jaynes faced Gavin Tucker at UFC Fight Night 174. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in round three.

Jaynes was scheduled to face Gabriel Benítez on November 14, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. The fight was canceled after Benítez tested positive for COVID-19. The pairing was left intact and eventually took place on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 19. He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

Jaynes faced Devonte Smith on February 6, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov. He lost the fight via technical knockout due to a doctor stoppage in round two.

Jayne faced Charles Rosa on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190. Jaynes made waves across the internet as he announced before his fight that he was betting close to $25,000 on himself to win his fight. He lost the fight via split decision. Subsequently, he tested positive for marijuana and was suspended for four-and-a-half months by NSAC, making him eligible to return to competition on November 9, 2021.

In August 2021, Jaynes was released from the UFC.

Post UFC In his first bout since his release from the UFC, Jaynes faced Carl Deaton III for the TWC Lightweight Championship at Total Warrior Combat: Unfinished Business on February 5, 2022. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Personal life Jaynes is a coach at Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts in Las Vegas. He has a son. Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting 'Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting Lightweight Champion