AN ISLE of Wight mixed martial arts fighter has been handed “the chance of a lifetime” after securing a permanent scholarship in Thailand that could put him on the path towards one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Lloyd Williams, from Newport, has been offered the apprenticeship opportunity after impressing coaches during a training trip to Thailand, where he was helping prepare his coach and training partner, Connor Tymon, for a ONE Championship fight at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The Brotherhood MMA fighter, 24, who has been training with the Newport-based club since 2019, said the move will allow him to fully dedicate himself to pursuing his dream career.
“The scholarship would provide me an opportunity to solely focus on working on my MMA skills every day and propel me to compete on a worldwide stage,” said Lloyd.
MMA fighter Lloyd Williams from Newport in action (Image: Lloyd Williams)
“I got the opportunity, as the coaches were impressed with me during the training and had seen my previous fights,” he said.
Lloyd will relocate to the island of Koh Samui in January 2027 and expects the move to be a long-term one.
“The scholarship will be permanent. I believe I will come home to see friends and family after a few months, but I’ll be staying out there for a long time.”
His ultimate ambition is to compete for ONE Championship, one of the world’s leading MMA promotions, and eventually become a world champion.
MMA fighter Lloyd Williams from Newport in action (Image: Lloyd Williams)
MMA fighter Lloyd Williams from Newport in action (Image: Lloyd Williams)
“I began boxing at age 12, so I have been training for over 12 years now and this is all I have ever wanted to do with my life. It’s my passion and purpose,” he said.
“My goal is to be ONE MMA world champion and, with my own self-belief and my team, I know I will achieve this.”
Lloyd already boasts an impressive combat sports record, having won four championships across three disciplines, including two MMA titles, a kickboxing championship and a boxing championship.
The news has been warmly received by his family, particularly his brothers, who have supported him throughout his journey.
“My family were extremely proud of me, especially my brothers, who have attended every fight I have competed in and have always believed in me,” he said.