James Wilks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Wilks |
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James Wilks in 2011
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| Born | James Brett Wilks 5 April 1978 Leicestershire, England |
| Other names | Lightning |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) |
| Division | Welterweight |
| Reach | 75 in (190 cm) |
| Team | Lightning MMA |
| Rank | Black belt in taekwondo Brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu Instructor in Jeet Kune Do Instructor in CSW |
| Years active | 2003–2012 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 11 |
| Wins | 7 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 4 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 2 |
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last updated on: 17 October 2010
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James Brett Wilks (born 5 April 1978) is a former professional mixed martial artist from England. He competed in major fighting events like the UFC and was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom on Spike TV. He fought professionally from 2003 until 2012.
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Early Life and Education
James Wilks was born and grew up in Leicestershire, England. He went to Uppingham School. After finishing school in 1996, James studied at Bournemouth University. He earned a degree in Business and Land Management.
Starting His MMA Career
James began training in martial arts while living in the United Kingdom. He learned taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do. He holds a black belt in taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is also an instructor in Jeet Kune Do and Combat Submission Wrestling.
His first professional fight was in 2003. He won this fight by using a special move called an armbar. After that, he fought again and lost. Before joining The Ultimate Fighter TV show, James won a championship title in the Gladiator Challenge.
Winning The Ultimate Fighter
James joined The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom, a TV show where fighters compete. He won an important match against Che Mills to get a spot on the show in Las Vegas.
On the show, James won his second fight against Frank Lester. He used a submission move to win. In the semi-finals, he fought Frank Lester again. James won this match too, which earned him a spot in the live finale.
His Time in the UFC
James Wilks made his big debut in the UFC. He won his first UFC fight against DaMarques Johnson in June 2009. This win made him the TUF 9 welterweight champion. James showed strong striking and tried many submission moves during the fight. He won by using a rear naked choke submission in the first round.
Later, James lost a fight to Matt Brown in November 2009. He faced Peter Sobotta at UFC 115 and won that fight by a unanimous decision. His next fight was against Claude Patrick in London, which he lost.
James was scheduled to fight Rory MacDonald and Amir Sadollah in 2011. However, he had to withdraw from both fights due to injuries.
Why He Retired from Fighting
In May 2012, James Wilks announced he was stopping his fighting career. He had suffered serious injuries, including a fractured bone in his back. Doctors advised him that continuing to fight could put him at a very high risk of serious health issues.
Life Beyond Fighting
James Wilks is married to his wife, Alicia. He is also well-known for being a vegan. This means he chooses not to eat any animal products. James also teaches combatives, which are fighting techniques.
The Game Changers Film
James Wilks played a main role in a documentary film called The Game Changers (2018). In the film, he talks about how a mostly plant-based diet can help athletes perform at a high level. The famous filmmaker James Cameron helped produce this movie.
Major Wins and Awards
James Wilks achieved several important wins and awards during his career:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Gracie US Nationals
- Gold Medalist in 2008 (Advanced Division, 185lbs)
Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 Winner
- Gladiator Challenge
- GC Welterweight Championship (One time)
See also
- List of male mixed martial artists
