Williams started fighting when a friend brought up the idea to him and his full-ride scholarship to UC Davis fell through when they dropped the wrestling program due to lack of funds. In 2010, at Sierra College, he was the California state community college wrestling champion at 197 pounds and All-American. As a 19-year-old college student in the middle of wrestling season, Williams was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes, after suddenly losing 20 pounds in 2 weeks.[3][4] After losing to Kazula Vargas due to a cut, Williams was invited to train with David Terrell, where he has stayed since then.[5]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
In his MMA debut at CFFC Nor Cal Conflict, he defeated Sean Choice via TKO in the third round. Williams defeated JC Llamas via unanimous decision at TWC 19 Blackout. He lost to Kazula Vargas At TPF 19 via doctor stoppage due to a cut. At TPF 22 Champions Collide 2, he defeated Christian Barber via TKO in the first round. In his only appearance for West Coast Fighting Championship at WFC 15 Williams knocked out Richard Rigmaden in round one. At Tachi Palace Fights 25 he submitted Preston Scharf in the first round via rear naked choke to earn the first submission victory of his professional career. He would suffer his second loss of his MMA career to future UFC fighter Dwight Grant at Conquer FC 2 after getting knocked out in the first round. Williams would rebound, knocking out Alexander Lopez in the first round at Dragon House 28
In his debut appearance with Bellator MMA at Bellator 199, he defeated Brandon Hester via TKO in the second round to secure his first victory under the Bellator MMA banner.[6]
Dana White's Contender Series
After racking a 7–2 record in California regional circuit and most lately Bellator, Williams was invited to face Tim Caron at Dana White's Contender Series 11 on June 26, 2018. He won the fight via third-round knockout, but the result was eventually overturned after Williams tested positive for cannabis metabolites.[7] Williams was also fined and suspended for six months, making him eligible to return to competition on December 26, 2018.[7]
He made his third appearance in the series against Gregory Rodrigues at Dana White's Contender Series 33 on September 15, 2020. He won the fight via first-round knockout and was awarded a contract with the UFC.[7]