J. J. Ambrose

J.J. Ambrose (born February 6, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in One Fighting Championship. He has also competed for Bellator's Lightweight division, Affliction and Pacific Xtreme Combat.

Background
Ambrose was born in Long Beach, California and later moved to Arizona after his parents divorced. He is of Italian descent and began wrestling in the fifth grade, began boxing in high school, and then began Brazilian jiu-jitsu in his senior year of high school, his first fight later that year. Ambrose graduated from Mohave High School in Bullhead City, AZ.

Early career
Ambrose made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2005, fighting mainly for California-based promotions. After compiling a record of ten wins, two losses and one no contest, he signed with Affliction.

Affliction
Ambrose faced Mike Pyle on July 19, 2008 at Affliction: Banned. He lost via submission in the first round.

Pacific Rim organizations and The Ultimate Fighter
After winning a bout in Mexico, Ambrose obtained more six wins in a row for Pacific Rim promotions as Pacific Xtreme Combat.

Ambrose also appeared in the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. He lost via unanimous decision against Sevak Magakian during the entry round.

In 2012, Ambrose signed with Bellator to compete in the Lightweight Tournament.

Bellator Fighting Championships
Ambrose faced Brent Weedman on March 23, 2012 at Bellator 62 in the quarterfinal match of the season six lightweight tournament. He lost via submission in the second round.

Ambrose faced Brian Warren on January 17, 2013 at Bellator 85. He won via submission in the second round.

Ambrose faced David Rickels on October 11, 2013 at Bellator 103. Ambrose lost the bout via technical knockout in the third round.

Over four years since his fight with Rickels, Ambrose faced Saad Awad at Bellator 193 on January 26, 2018. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Post Bellator
Ambrose faced Spike Carlyle on October 17, 2021 at Cage Warriors 130. He lost the bout via knockout in the second round.

Ambrose faced Jordan Bailey on September 23, 2022 at Cage Warriors 143. He lost the bout via guillotine choke in the second round.

Personal life
Ambrose owns and operates a gym, STEEL Athletics in Guam.