Justin Salas
Justin Bernard Salas (born March 13, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist who competes as a lightweight. He was signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship from 2012 to 2016. Background. Salas is from Green River, Wyoming and had a very successful career in wrestling. Salas was a two-time State Champion in high school, as well as a two-time high school All-American, in addition to winning the Dave Schultz High School Hall of Fame Award. Salas then went on to wrestle for the University of Wyoming's NCAA Division I program from 2000 to 2003 , but dropped out of college to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. Mixed martial arts career. Ultimate Fighting Championship. On January 16, 2012 it was announced that Salas has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC. He made his promotional debut on February 15 against fellow newcomer Anton Kuivanen in UFC on Fuel TV 1. He won via unanimous decision. Salas faced Tim Means on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3. Means defeated Salas via first round TKO. Salas was expected to face Edson Barboza on January 19, 2013 at UFC on FX 7. However, Salas  was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Lucas Martins.<ref name="SalasOut/MartinsIn"></ref> Salas faced Aaron Riley on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8. He won the back-and-forth fight by split decision. Salas faced Thiago Tavares on November 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 32, replacing an injured Quinn Mulhern. He lost the fight via submission in the first round. Salas faced Ben Wall on May 10, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 40. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. Salas faced Joe Proctor on July 16 , 2014 at UFC Fight Night 45. Salas lost the bout via second round TKO. Salas faced Jason Saggo on March 5, 2016 at UFC 196. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.