Journey Newson

Journey Ja-rel Newson (born March 7, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional since 2015, he is most notable for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Newson grew up in the Merced, California area. Due to his mother's drug addiction and despite father's attempts to keep the family together, Journey and his siblings were taken into foster care when he was around the age of seven. He started training Tae Kwon Do around the age of 12. He began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense around the age of 20 and shifted to mixed martial arts in a couple of years.

Early career
Newson started out his career in 2015, fighting for a variety of regional West Coast organizations, such as Cage Sport and King of the Cage. During this time, he compiled a 9–1 record, capturing the Cage Sport and Prime Fighting Bantamweight titles.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Newson made his UFC debut as a late replacement for Sergio Pettis against Ricardo Ramos on June 29, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 3. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson next faced Domingo Pilarte at UFC 247 on February 8, 2020. He won the fight by TKO within the first minute of the fight. However, on March 25, it was announced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) that Newson had tested positive for marijuana during in-competition drug tests. His victory was overturned to a no contest and he was suspended for 30 days.

Newson was initially scheduled to face Randy Costa on September 26, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley. However, the event was shifted to take place on September 19, 2020, as UFC 253 was later scheduled for the original date. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Newson was scheduled to face Felipe Colares on May 1, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 23. However, Newson withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Luke Sanders.

Newson faced promotional newcomer Fernie Garcia on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson faced Sergey Morozov on December 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 216. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Newson was scheduled to face Brian Kelleher on April 29, 2023 at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón. However, Kelleher pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Marcus McGhee. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in round two.

On June 8, it was announced that Newson was not extended a new contract and no longer on the UFC roster.

Championships and accomplishments

 * CageSport MMA
 * CageSport Bantamweight Championship (one time)
 * Prime Fighting MMA
 * Prime Fighting Bantamweight Championship (one time)