Justin Willis (martial artist)


Justin Willis is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League. A professional competitor since 2012, he has formerly competed for the World Series of Fighting and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Born and raised in California, Willis played football through high school and the collegiate level as a lineman at San Jose State University, graduating with a degree in sociology. At the collegiate level, Willis was All-Conference.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Willis made his amateur debut in 2009, a second-round loss, before competing again as an amateur bout on the Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons 2 against Steve Dickey. Willis won via unanimous decision. After going professional in 2012, Willis amassed a record of 4-1 before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Willis made his promotional debut on July 16, 2017 against James Mulheron at. He won via unanimous decision.
Willis then faced Allen Crowder at UFC 218 on December 2, 2017. Willis won via knockout in the first round.
Wills faced Chase Sherman on April 21, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 128. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Wills faced Mark Hunt on December 2, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Willis faced Curtis Blaydes on March 23, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 148. In the fight Blaydes continually took Willis down and controlled him and also scored a knockdown in the second round. Willis lost the fight via unanimous decision. Willis spent a good amount of the pre-fight press time taunting Blaydes, who responded in kind in his post-fight interview.
On May 24, 2019, it was reported that Willis was released from UFC.

Professional Fighters League

On February 11, 2020, news surfaced that Willis had signed with the PFL and is expected to compete in the PFL 2020 heavyweight season.

Mixed martial arts record