- George Chung
- Aug 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Karl Williams is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Known for his powerful grappling and ever-improving striking, Williams has his eyes set on dominating the division. As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Jhonata Diniz this Saturday, there’s more to Williams than meets the eye.
Relocating to Las Vegas, the heart of MMA, has been a game-changer for Williams, both in his training and personal life. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs during camp, a lot of family stuff going on; it’s a training camp,” Williams shared. Despite the challenges, he’s fully committed to his fifth walk to the Octagon, aiming to prove that he’s a name to be feared in the heavyweight division.
Living in Las Vegas with his family has brought a new level of focus to Williams. “Being here with the family changes the dynamic. It helps you stay focused because it’s like, okay, I have to get this win,” he explained. This added motivation is evident as Williams continues to sharpen his skills, training with top heavyweights at Xtreme Couture.
Since joining the UFC roster two years ago, Williams has consistently showcased his growth. His last victory at UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas against Justin Tafa was a testament to his evolving skill set. “I held my own. I was able to pull off the win, and I said, ‘Okay, I’m coming into this MMA journey,’” he said.
As Williams prepares to face fellow Contender Series alum Jhonata Diniz, he’s confident in his approach. “He’s a striker, but I’ve faced plenty of strikers. I don’t think he hits as hard as Tafa,” Williams stated, ready to blend his previous fight strategies to secure another win.
Holding a 10-1 record, Williams is unfazed by the idea of losing, viewing any setback as an opportunity to improve. “Losses happen. When it did, I went back to the drawing board and did more jiu jitsu. So it teaches you, don’t get comfortable,” he reflected.
Looking beyond Saturday, Williams is focused on continuous improvement and aims for another fight before the year’s end. But it’s not just about fighting for him. Williams is deeply committed to his charitable work outside the Octagon. “Everybody needs help, so if I just have to cook and we can raise money for it, I do that right now for all my friends and family. Nobody loses when you have a barbecue,” he said, emphasizing his desire to give back.
As fight night approaches, Karl Williams is ready to show the world just how much he’s grown. “I’ve been working a lot on my striking. Hopefully, they say, this guy is an athletic heavyweight and a well-rounded guy,” Williams said, eager to leave a lasting impression.
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Tybura vs Spivac 2 live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 10, 2024. Prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, with the main card kicking off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
