Featherweight Contender Series Alum: Redemption in the Making

The Contender Series has been an immediate springboard for many fighters into the UFC. For some, a loss in the Contender Series can help fine-tune a career and make for an even bigger run in a second Contender Series appearance. Fury FC’s Justice Torres is one of those fighters hoping to get that return appearance and show the world his improved game as well as proving he is UFC-ready.

The Road to Mixed Martial Arts for Justice Torres

As with most who find their way into the cage, Justice Torres grew up an athletic child. After his school days were complete and still seeking that need for competition, MMA came into the picture, Justice Torres began.

“Growing up I didn’t start any sports until middle school. I played football, ran track, and once I got to high school started doing rugby as well. After I graduated I got into MMA. I always loved getting into fights growing up. So I figured this would be the best thing for me since I wasn’t going pro in the other sports.”

Justice Torres: Finding a Home At 4oz Fight Club

“When I started MMA I went to a few gyms but finally found a home at 4oz Fight Club. Led by Daniel Pineda,” Justice Torres continued. “We have the greatest coaches. Chico Young (striking coach), Joseph McCamish & Daniel (jiu-jitsu). Frank Gallego has also helped me with my striking. Teammates that have made a big impact on me is for sure Hector Saenez and Michael Aswell. They’re both two of my main training partners. Hector and I have been grinding real close side by side since I started going there.”

Owner of 4oz Fight Club, Daniel Pineda, is a veteran of 45 professional MMA bouts including competing in the Octagon 14 times. He is also a veteran of Bellator, PFL, and Elite XC. Coach “Chico” Young, owner of a 4-second knockout, has also competed under big lights on the Bellator stage. Saenez currently serves as Fury FC’s lightweight champion. Aswell is coming off of a first-round knockout in the UFC in October 2025, and is set to make his next Octagon appearance on March 21, 2026.

Justice Torres’ Fantasy Fight

Every fighter has that dream matchup for himself. For some it’s a current fighter, and for others its a fighter from the past. Justice Torres is no different and gives a great breakdown of what it would take to earn the victory against his fantasy opponent.

“I would say probably Conor McGregor,” Justice Torres said, “ reason being the pay day, build up, and honestly in his prime when he was at 145lbs, he was a fun fighter to watch. Obviously, for outcome I’m going to see myself winning, but to get there I would have to really use my cardio and try to grind him down mixing wrestling and striking and just dictating the fight to my pace, not his.”

Justice Torres’ MMA Career

Justice Torres’ career would begin in May 2021 with a decision victory at Fury FC 46. The next two years would be perfect for Torres going 7-0 before running into Matt Jones at Fury FC 80. Dropping his next bout in September, Torres would go on to not drop back-to-back fights again in his career.

He would win three in a row including the featherweight championship at Fury FC 97. After three more tough Fury FC bouts, Torres would find himself with a golden opportunity to compete on the Contender Series against Javier Reyes.

Lessons Learned From Contender Series Defeat

So what has Justice Torres taken away from the experience to find himself back with another Contender Series shot, or even the call to the UFC?

“The biggest thing I learned on Contenders was, yes, you always want to bet on yourself, but you do need to be smart when doing so,” he said. “Cutting from 169lbs to 145lbs on five days notice was definitely not the greatest move. My body wasn’t able to recover and ultimately cost me a lot. Coming back to regional scene going 1-1 wasn’t ideal either. Obviously want to be 2-0 but from my last fight that was just one of those things where you get caught and the night ends early.

“If he beat me over 15 minutes I could be more mad or have a lot to learn from, but this fight was unfortunately just not my night,” he continued”. To get back to Contenders obviously need to string some wins and finishes, but ultimately I want the call straight in.” stated Torres.

Justice Torres Eager to Return to Action Soon

So what can we expect from the dynamic featherweight in the immediate future to continue that path to Contender Series, and ultimately the UFC?

“Me, I like to stay active,” said Justice Torres. “I had five fights last year, so hopefully I can get a fight by late April, early May.”