mma / News

Justin Wren Says Going From Congo to Bellator Felt “Very Welcome”

August 31, 2015 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

Justin Wren spoke with MMAjunkie about his win over Josh Burns at Bellator 141 and more. Check out the highlights:

On his win over Burns: “I would say overall [my fight] was very positive because I got the ‘W.’ I didn’t get the ‘W’ like I wanted or perform like I wanted. But, at the same time, it’s five years and two months since my last fight. So I’m very excited to get the win. Thank you to Danny [Brener] from Bellator, the PR guy, for helping us get the word out and Bellator as an organization, and Spike. It’s been such a great reception from people. It’s awesome, man. I’m going to be able to do so much more in Congo because of this fight.”

On going back to MMA from doing humanitarian work: “It was very welcome. Was it overwhelming? Getting used to that from being in the jungle is very different. If I ever experience culture shock, it’s here. It’s not there. But I would say that the reception was overwhelming in the best way possible – the most positive way possible. I’m just so excited to see what good comes of it. I’m going to keep fighting my heart out and getting better. After this fight, I’m going back to the drawing board and getting better.”

On his next steps: “I’m back. I’m back, and I’m going to do it until I feel like I’m done or I accomplish what I want to accomplish. For me, I know after this fight, people might say, ‘I don’t know if he’s in Bellator title contention.’ But I want to get there. I do want to get there and chase that down. With a bigger platform, more people pay attention to what’s important. I would say that fighting is important. It’s one of my greatest passions. But what I’m doing outside is so much more important. If I can use this platform and go for another five to seven years – in seven years I’ll be 35. If you look at the top guys in the world, they’re 35, 37, 33. So, I’ve got time. Maybe these next two years, three years, maybe I need to fine tune things and get better – develop better technique and conditioning and make a run.”