Who is Justin Wren
“What is a hero? A hero is someone who sees a need and takes action.”
Justin Wren is a humanitarian worker and a professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the heavyweight division of Bellator MMA. He is a 10-time State Champion, 5-time All American, and 2-time National Champion and a UFC fighter.
His journey began with the pain of being bullied as a child, leading him to seek solace and strength in wrestling. Yet, despite his success, Justin struggled with lingering emotional pain, depression, and addiction.
His life took a transformative turn when he attended a men's retreat, discovering faith and a deeper sense of purpose. This newfound direction led him on a series of international trips that would change his life forever. On one such journey, he found himself in the Ituri rainforest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he encountered the Mbuti Pygmies, a marginalized and persecuted group.
Moved by the plight of these people, Justin spent a year living among them, learning their culture and earning the affectionate name, "The Big Pygmy." This profound experience led him to question who was helping the Mbuti Pygmies, and he resolved to start a non-profit organization Fight For The Forgotten.
In 2015, after a five-year hiatus from professional sports, Justin returned to the world of MMA fighting, undefeated in three fights with a record of 15-2. However, his motivation had shifted; he was no longer fighting for himself, but rather for a greater purpose. He dedicated his efforts to standing up for the bullied, oppressed, and forgotten, giving a voice to those who had been silenced.