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 on April 5, 1978, is a former professional mixed martial artist from England. He competed in exciting sports like the UFC and King of the Cage. James also won the TV show The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. He was a professional fighter from 2003 until 2012.
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About James Wilks
James Wilks grew up in Leicestershire, England. He went to Uppingham School and later studied at Bournemouth University. There, he earned a degree in Business and Land Management.
James Wilks' Fighting Career
James started training in martial arts while living in the United Kingdom. He learned taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do. He earned a black belt in taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He also became an instructor in Jeet Kune Do and Combat Submission Wrestling.
His first professional fight was against Roman Mitichyan. James won this fight by using an armbar move in the second round. He later won the Gladiator Challenge welterweight title.
Competing on The Ultimate Fighter
Before joining The Ultimate Fighter 9 TV show, James had to win an elimination match. He defeated Che Mills by submission, which earned him a spot on the show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On the show, James fought Frank Lester twice. He won both matches by submission or TKO (Technical Knockout). These wins helped him reach the live finale of the competition.
Fighting in the UFC
James Wilks made his big debut in the UFC on June 20, 2009. He fought DaMarques Johnson at The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom Finale. James won this fight with a rear naked choke submission in the first round. This victory made him the TUF 9 welterweight champion.
Later, James faced Matt Brown at UFC 105. He lost this fight in the third round. James later shared that Matt Brown had broken a bone near his eye early in the fight.
James then fought Peter Sobotta at UFC 115 and won by a unanimous decision. His next fight was against Claude Patrick at UFC 120 in London, which he lost by unanimous decision.
Retirement from Fighting
James Wilks announced his retirement from professional MMA on May 14, 2012. He had suffered several serious injuries, including a fractured vertebra (a bone in his spine). Doctors advised him that continuing to fight would be very risky and could lead to paralysis.
Life After Fighting
James Wilks is a strong supporter of eating a plant-based diet. He also teaches combatives (self-defense techniques) to military special forces and defensive tactics to law enforcement officers.
The Game Changers Film
James Wilks played a main role in the 2018 documentary film The Game Changers. This movie talks about how a plant-based diet can help athletes perform at their best. The film was produced by the famous director James Cameron.
Achievements and Awards
James Wilks achieved several important things during his career:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Gracie US Nationals
- He won a Gold Medal in the Advanced Division (185lbs) at the Gracie US Nationals in 2008.
Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- He was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 9.
- Gladiator Challenge
- He held the GC Welterweight Championship one time.
See also
- List of male mixed martial artists
