Justin Wilcox

Justin Wilcox (born March 12, 1979) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator. A professional competitor since 2006, Wilcox has also competed for Strikeforce, holding a record of 5-3 (1) in the promotion.

Background Wilcox began wrestling when he was five years old and was talented, continuing in the sport through high school and in college at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania alongside current UFC Welterweight Josh Koscheck, who was an NCAA Champion. Wilcox himself continued excelling at the collegiate level, becoming an NCAA qualifier as a true freshman and continued competing well after redshirting in his sophomore season, winning several tournaments. However, after being hit with an inadvertent headbutt which may have caused a concussion, Wilcox was preparing for another match when he slipped and knocked himself out when he hit the floor. The concussion, along with multiple bone fractures, were severe enough to end his career. Wilcox had been inspired to compete in mixed martial arts after seeing Koscheck on the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" and began training in the sport himself. At the time, Wilcox was a professional bodybuilder, winning various contests while also running a gym in Pennsylvania, and weighed 205 lbs.

On November 19, 2010, Wilcox faced DREAM veteran Vítor Ribeiro in the main event of Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Ribeiro. He won the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30–27, 30–27).

Wilcox upped his win streak to five with a TKO victory over veteran Rodrigo Damm at Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Damm. The fight was stopped by a ringside doctor at the end of the first round due to lacerations above both of Damm's eyes.

Wilcox fought Gesias Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum. The bout was declared a no-contest after Wilcox was poked in the eye in the second round and could not continue.

In his next fight, Wilcox competed at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal against rising prospect Caros Fodor. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Wilcox fought former lightweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy. He lost the fight via split decision.

Bellator MMA After over a year a way from the sport, Wilcox was signed by Bellator as a last minute replacement for their Season Nine Featherweight tournament. This would mark the first time Wilcox had ever competed as a Featherweight. Wilcox replaced Shahbulat Shamhalaev on just a few days notice and fought against Akop Stepanyan at Bellator 99. Despite losing the first round decisively due to a series of low kicks that visibly injured his leg and hindered his ability to stand and walk, Wilcox mounted a comeback in the second round and won via rear-naked choke submission moving him into the next round of the tournament.

Wilcox faced up and comer Joe Taimanglo in the semifinals at Bellator 103. Wilcox controlled the entire matchup and won via unanimous decision (29-28, 30–27, 30–27).

In the finals of the Featherweight Tournament taking place at Bellator 108, Wilcox fought Top 15 Featherweight, Patricio Freire. Wilcox lost the fight via first-round technical knockout. After the loss Wilcox decided to return to his natural weight class of Lightweight (155 lbs.).

Wilcox returned to Lightweight and faced Jason Fischer on March 28, 2014, at Bellator 114. He won via unanimous decision.

Wilcox faced Daniel Mason-Straus in the main event at Bellator 127 on October 3, 2014. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Personal life Wilcox and his wife Leslie have a daughter named Natalie.

Championships and accomplishments Bellator MMA Bellator Season Nine Featherweight Tournament Runner-Up

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Daniel Mason-Straus KO (punches) Bellator 127

Temecula, California, United States Win

Jason Fischer Decision (unanimous) Bellator 114

West Valley City, Utah, United States Returns to Lightweight. Loss

Patrício Freire TKO (punches) Bellator 108

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Joe Taimanglo Decision (unanimous) Bellator 103

Mulvane, Kansas, United States Win

Akop Stepanyan Technical Submission (rear naked choke) Bellator 99

Temecula, California, United States Loss

Jorge Masvidal Decision (split) Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy

Portland, Oregon, United States Loss

Caros Fodor KO (punches) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal

San Diego, California, United States NC

Gesias Cavalcante NC (accidental eye poke) Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum

Dallas, Texas, United States Win

Rodrigo Damm TKO (doctor stoppage) Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Damm

Stockton, California, United States Win

Vítor Ribeiro Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Wilcox vs. Ribeiro

Jackson, Mississippi, United States Win

Shamar Bailey Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Johnson vs. Mahe

Fresno, California, United States Win

Daisuke Nakamura Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Evolution

San Jose, California, United States Win

David Douglas Submission (rear naked choke) Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg

San Jose, California, United States Win

Moses Baca Decision (unanimous) Disturbing the Peace

Fresno, California, United States Loss

Mitsuhiro Ishida Submission (armbar) Strikeforce: At The Mansion II

Los Angeles, California, United States Win

Gabe Ruediger Decision (unanimous) JG and TKT Promotions: Fighting 4 Kidz

Santa Monica, California, United States Win

Todd Murphey TKO (punches) Extreme Challenge 82

Springfield, Illinois, United States Win

Allan Lee Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 77

Mason, Ohio, United States Win

Bryce Teager Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 76

Sloan, Iowa, United States Loss

Dan Hornbuckle TKO (punches) Total Fight Challenge 6

Hammond, Indiana, United States Loss

Chad Reiner Submission (armbar) Extreme Challenge 68

Hayward, Wisconsin, United States Win

Bobby Voelker Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 68

Hayward, Wisconsin, United States