Justin Wren plans to fight more frequently, wants Bellator grand prix alternate spot

Add Justin Wren to the list of fighters who wants to be added to the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix 2018 as an alternate.

Despite an unbeaten Bellator record, Wren (13-2 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) did not make the eight-man tournament field to determine who claims the vacant heavyweight championship. He was clamoring for a position, but Bellator opted to insert its biggest names from both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.

Wren said he would have liked to participate and hopes an opportunity will still come up. But if it doesn’t, he said on the “JRE MMA Show” podcast that he expects to be fighting for the title sooner than later, anyway.

“If I’m not in there as an alternate I think I’ll be in there for one of the first title defenses,” Wren told host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. “I think that’s where I’ll be. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Wren said he understands why Bellator didn’t give him an initial tournament spot. The list of names in the bracket are well known in the sport, and although “The Big Pygmy” is a fan favorite, he’s not a draw on the level of a Chael Sonnen, Frank Mir, Fedor Emelianenko, or even Ryan Bader.

Moreover, Wren has only competed once per year since 2015 when he returned to MMA competition from a more than five-year hiatus. Inactivity keeps Wren from certain opportunities, but he hopes that changes by being busier in 2018.

“I’m going to stay active,” Wren said. “I’m going to fight. Hopefully I can kick it up to two, three fights a year.”

For more on the Bellator schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.