Khaos Williams


Kalinn "Khaos" Williams is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Williams got his first taste of knockouts in 2008 when he floored another teenager in a street fight and shook hands afterward.
In July 2013, Williams became the first graduate of a cooperative online education program between the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Jackson Public Schools. Williams earned a high school diploma through an online program while incarcerated in Jackson County Jail after being convicted of selling cocaine. He's had a spotless probation record and has performed all his required community service.
He started training in September 2013 and had his first fight three months later. His interest in MMA started because someone saw him fight and told him that he had it. So afterwards, he found a BJJ gym and fell in love after his first bout. He started training with Leo Aponte, his former Jackson High School teacher and current mixed martial arts coach.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Starting his career in 2017, Williams fought for a variety of Michigan regional promotions, including King of the Cage events held there. He obtained a 9–1 record in this time, most notably winning the Total Warrior Combat Super Lightweight Championship against 36 fight veteran Tony Hervey.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Replacing injured Dhiego Lima on short notice, Williams made his promotional debut against Alex Morono at UFC 247 on February 8, 2020. He won the fight via first-minute knockout. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Williams made his sophomore appearance in the organization against Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos on November 14, 2020. He won the fight via first-minute knockout. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Williams faced Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night 183 on December 19, 2020. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Williams faced Matthew Semelsberger on June 19, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 25 He won the bout via unanimous decision.
Williams faced Miguel Baeza on November 13, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 197. He won the fight via technical knockout in round three. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Williams faced Randy Brown on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274. He lost the fight via split decision.
Williams faced Rolando Bedoya on May 6, 2023 at UFC 288. He won the fight by split decision.
Williams faced Carlston Harris on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241. He won the fight by knockout after knocking down Harris with a right hook. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.
Replacing an injured Rinat Fakhretdinov, Williams faced former LFA Welterweight Champion Gabriel Bonfim on February 15, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 251. He lost the fight via a brabo choke submission in the second round, which was the first time he lost by finish in his MMA career.
Williams was scheduled to face Uroš Medić on June 7, 2025, at UFC 316. However, Medić pulled out in late May due to sinusitis and was replaced by promotional newcomer Albert Tadevosyan. In turn, Tadevosyan did not pass his medical tests, so Williams instead faced promotional newcomer Andreas Gustafsson. Williams lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Personal life

Williams is the biological son of Cynthia Rodgers of Jackson and the adoptive son and biological nephew of Lillian Rodgers of Albion, Michigan.
In 2007, Williams was given his nickname Khaos. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and constantly created chaos. His early sparring partners also nicknamed him The Ox Fighter because he was strong as an ox.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts