English welterweight Jim Wallhead has confirmed rumours he is to sign for the UFC. The fighter announced via his instagram account he has penned a multi-fight deal, and that he will make his debut against Jessin Ayari at UFC Fight Night: Hamburg in September.
It gives me great pleasure to announce I have now signed a multi fight contract with the @ufc. This has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. It's taken 11 years of dedication, hard work and constant belief in my ability. Never giving up, even when sometimes I've felt like packing it all in. I'm proud of myself and thankful to everyone who has always supported me, even in the tougher times. Firstly my mum and dad who have always been there for me and started me off on my journey. My beautiful wife Joanna for always encouraging me and standing by me. My kids for always believing that I can be the champ. My coaches at London Shootfighters Alexis and Paul for getting me in the best physical shape of my life and everyone at London Shoot for making me feel part of one of the greatest MMA teams in the world. My manager Matt Walton for helping me understand myself and realise my full potential. Gray Ridgeway and Quality Assured Valeting for their continued support and sponsorship, which as a fighter is massively needed and appreciated. Also Dan Hardy for always being the main man and being like a brother, and John Skillen and Simon Haslam for all their constant support. And to everyone else who has trained with me and supported me. I'm now ready and in the greatest shape of my career and I will be making my debut in Hamburg on Sept 3rd against Jessin Ayari, It's now time to have some fun #ufc #mma #londonshootfighters #spikedathletics #teamwallhead #hardworkpaysoff #judo #qualityassuredvaleting #knockouts #winstreak #alwaysready #LSF4Life #winners #longjourney #nextchapter #nevergiveup #believe #worldclass #blessed #dreamscancometrue #imready
A photo posted by 'Judo' Jimmy Wallhead (@judojimmy) on
Jul 27, 2016 at 4:44am PDT
'Judo' Jim Wallhead is one of the UK's most respected MMA competitors. A veteran of 38 professional fights, Wallhead began his martial arts career under the tutelage of judo world champion Neil Adams, earning his black belt and winning several titles.
He became known to MMA fans in the UK while training at the famous Team Rough House in Nottingham where he trained alongside the likes of Paul Daley, Dan Hardy and Ross Pearson. He has fought all over the world for multiple promotions including Bellator and BAMMA, but despite great domestic support and 29 career wins, the call from the world's biggest promotion never came, and many wondered if the chance had passed him by.
However, today's news will see 'Judo Jim' get his chance to pit his skills against the very best weterweights on the planet, starting with Jessin Ayari in Germany at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg on 3rd September, where he will be hoping to build upon his impressive run of four straight wins.