5 Things You Might Not Know About Justin Gonzales

Justin Gonzales wants Bellator MMA to rethink its current plans at 145 pounds.

The 31-year-old will put his 13-1 record on the line when he meets Andrew Fisher in a Bellator 287 featherweight showcase on Saturday at the Allianz Cloud Arena in Milan, Italy. Gonzales has won twice in three appearances since he linked arms with the Scott Coker-fronted company, a unanimous decision defeat to Aaron Pico his only misstep. He last competed at Bellator 279, where he wound up on the right side of a split verdict against Kai Kamaka III in their contentious April 23 encounter.

As Gonzales approaches his showdown with Fisher, here are five things you might not know about him:

1. He followed a route familiar to many.

Gonzales wrestled collegiately at the University of Northern Colorado, where he teamed with former World Series of Fighting champion Justin Gaethje. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, his higher education working hand in hand with his chosen vocation.

2. A slow-burn approach fostered his development.

The Top Notch Sports Academy export made his professional mixed martial arts debt at the age of 25 when he took a unanimous decision from Jordan Titoni at a Sparta Combat League show on July 16, 2016. Gonzales had fought seven times as an amateur, finishing all seven of his opponents between September 2012 and March 2016.

3. Physical evidence supported the scouting reports.

Gonzales has captured featherweight championships in the Sparta Combat League and Legacy Fighting Alliance. He struck gold in the SCL when he took a five-round unanimous decision from Nick Rhoads on July 8, 2017 and laid claim to the LFA title when he put away Jake Childers with a fourth-round body kick and follow-up punches on July 10, 2020.

4. He carries at least one major chip on his shoulder.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship had a chance to sign Gonzales but elected not to do so. He was awarded a unanimous decision over Zach Zane during Season 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. Gonzales arrived in Bellator a little more than a year later.

5. He has not yet spread his wings.

Gonzales has never fought outside of the United States. In fact, more than half (eight) of his 14 career appearances have taken place in his native Colorado. His other bouts went down in Wyoming, Nevada, South Dakota, Connecticut, Florida and Hawaii.