Willie Williams (karateka)

In 1975, Willie Williams participated in Mas Oyama's 1st World Full-Contact Karate Open Championships tournament as part of the U.S. team coached by Tadashi Nakamura and Shigeru Oyama. He lost to Howard Collins of the United Kington in the third round by decision. Four years later in 1979, he took part in the 2nd World Open Championships. That year, around 160 fighters from all over the world entered this open weight class tournament. Williams was able to battle his way through the semifinals, where he was defeated by Keiji Sanpei. He made his third appearance at the 3rd World Open Championships in 1984. This time Willie Williams made it to the final 32.[2]

In 1980, Williams fought Japan's top pro-wrestling star Antonio Inoki for the World Heavyweight Martial Arts Championship in Tokyo. The bout ended in a draw after both competitors repeatedly fell out of the ring.[3] Although the match was worked, it is seen as a precursor to modern mixed martial art. William's fight against Inoki was voted as the top professional fighting match in Japan in the 20th century in 2003 by professional Japanese fight analysts.

Williams debuted in November 1992 in the combat sport promotion Fighting Network RINGS. After having fought 13 matches for the Japan-based organization, Williams retired in October 1994.

Williams died on June 8, 2019 at the age of 68.[4]

• 3rd World Open Karate Tournament 1984 (IKO) - Final 32
• 2nd World Open Karate Tournament 1979 (IKO) - 3rd Place