A lot of people from the inner city are familiar with the names Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson and Tyron Woodley when it comes to the shortlist of recognizable African American MMA fighters who move the needle.
If Kalinn “Khaos the Ox Fighter” Williams has his way, he will be the next fighter to reach the small but important fan base of inner-city fans as the kid from Detroit is making a big name for himself one knockout at a time.
In 2020, Williams has kicked down the door to the national spotlight by producing a highlight reel 27-second knockout of Alex Morono in February on the undercard of Jones’ last title defense, then returned in November and knocked out a very tough contender in Abdul Razak Alhassan in 30 seconds.
As a result of his two outstanding knockouts, Williams (11-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will have added pressure on his shoulders to produce another major knockout when he returns to the Octagon on Saturday night (Dec 19) against Michel Pereira (24-11 MMA, 2-2 UFC).
“I just got to go in there and do me as there’s really no pressure in my eyes because as long as I fight my fight, be technically sound and stay focus I will get my hand raised no matter if it’s another 30-second win or a three-round fight.” a serious toned Williams told The Shadow League. “I’m here to win fights and make an impact on the culture so people can listen to me outside the cage the way they did Kobe or Nipsey Hussle and greats like them.”
Williams’ shot at MMA stardom was almost derailed by incarceration in his early 20s, prior to him ever turning pro. But similar to the way boxing legend Bernard Hopkins promised himself he wasn’t going back to jail and would do better, Williams gained that same mentality and did a major turnaround in the right direction outside of the cage.
As 2021, approaches, Williams’ name graces the shortlist of hot UFC prospects despite having just two UFC fights on his resume.
“I always hashtag the people’s champ in my social media post because a lot of people can relate to me as I was a brother who was going down the wrong path but now have the platform to promote change and positivity for people everywhere, not just in the inner city,” Williams said. “I have major respect for someone like boxing legend Bernard Hopkins who was also once incarcerated as well and got out and changed his life forever while inspiring people like myself. Being from Detroit there’s a lot of entrepreneurship and I’m just showing people that you can make it no matter your circumstance if you put in the hard work and believe in yourself.”
With Saturday’s night card full of welterweight contenders and prospects headlined by Stephen “Wonder Boy” Thompson and Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal, Khaos knows the stage is set to become an even bigger name if he closes out his improbable magical 2020 year in style.
A feat that is even more impressive when you add in the fact, he wasn’t even in the UFC this time last year.
“With the card filled with so many welterweights, if I come in and steal the show they will really know I’m a threat and that I’m ready to go and here to stay,” Williams said. “Capping off the year with another big win is my main goal right now and it will embed the name Khaos Williams in people’s heads because they will know that I’m a problem and I’m only focused on being better and making a positive impact.”
The streets is watching Williams as he continues to write his version of the American Dream.
