Scoggins began training in karate at the age of three, later transitioning to wrestling and kickboxing. Aspiring to compete for the UFC, Scoggins opted to drop out of high school and focus solely on honing his skills. He held an amateur MMA record of 6-0-1 before making his professional debut in February 2012, amassing an undefeated record of 7-0 prior to signing with the UFC.
For his third fight with the promotion, Scoggins faced Dustin Ortiz on July 6, 2014 at Scoggins suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career via split decision. Scoggins next faced John Moraga at UFC Fight Night 50. Scoggins lost the fight via submission in the second round. 2015 Scoggins faced Josh Sampo on May 23, 2015 at UFC 187. Scoggins won the fight via unanimous decision. Scoggins was expected to face Joby Sanchez on December 11, 2015 at. However, Scoggins pulled out of the fight in the week leading up to the event and was replaced by Geane Herrera.
2016
Scoggins faced Ray Borg on February 6, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 82. Scoggins won the fight via unanimous decision. Scoggins was expected to face Ben Nguyen on March 20, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 85. However, Scoggins pulled out of the fight in the week leading up to the event citing injury. As a result, Nguyen was pulled from the card entirely. Scoggins was expected to face Ian McCall on July 30, 2016 at UFC 201. However, two days before the event, Scoggins announced that he was pulling out of the fight as he was not going to make the contracted weight. As a result, McCall was pulled from the card altogether. Scoggins will now compete at bantamweight full-time. Scoggins next faced Pedro Munhoz in a bantamweight bout on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. He lost the bout by submission in the second round.
Scoggins faced promotional newcomer Said Nurmagomedov on July 14, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133. He lost the fight via controversial split decision. All 17 media outlets scored the fight for Scoggins. On November 9, 2018, it was reported that Scoggins was released from UFC.
Rizin FF
Scoggins faced Yuki Motoya in a 132lbs catchweight bout at Rizin 14 on December 31, 2018. He lost the bout via submission in the first round. Scoggins was called on short notice to replace injured Ulka Sasaki, and was expected to face Kai Asakura at Rizin 15. Eventually Scoggins suffered a knee injury which led the bout scrapped from the fight card.
Personal life
Justin is married to Hannah Scoggins, who also is a mixed martial artist.