It’s been a long road to get to this point for British fighter “Judo” Jim Wallhead (20-5), he’s fought drugs and alcohol in his personal life, told he was “too experienced” for “The Ultimate Fighter” season 9, and had a volcanic eruption delay his Bellator debut as part of the promotions Season 2 welterweight tournament.
Now Wallhead, who’s background is Judo and kickboxing, will finally get a chance to compete in Bellator’s Season 4 Welterweight tournament against a former Judoka Olympian Rick Hawn (9-0) in the opening quarterfinal round.
Their fight will take place on March 5 at the Tachi Palace Casino & Resort in Lemoore, CA.
In a recent interview with the Examiner.com, Wallhead talked about some of the difficulties he’s faced in his life and career, as well as his upcoming fight with Hawn.
Well I will be honest, no one has ever asked me that question. I basically went off the rails. I was working the doors, doing a lot of partying but just lost my way and was doing a lot of drugs and drinking and going nowhere in life. That went on for a long while. One day I just had enough. I missed competing. I remember it was after a New Year’s party. I had a bet with friends and the bet was who was going to achieve the most next year. It wasn’t that bet but it made me look at what I was doing and it needed to change.
I woke up the following morning, smoked half a cigarette and went for run. I puked up bad! I basically started lifting weights and doing a bit of grappling with friends, but no sparring. I stumbled into an MMA career, won a couple lost a couple, but in that time I met my now fiancé Joanna and she turned my life around. Then, after my second loss I met Owen Comrie and Dan Hardy and was invited to Rough House. The real journey began then in my eyes…
Well one thing I know, Rick Hawn’s judo is sick! The guy is definitely a better judoka than I ever was. His win over LeVon Maynard was very impressive and Rick is a very good, well-rounded opponent. It’s amazing how every guy in this tourney could get to the final. Everyone brings something unique to the table.
Haha, put it this way. There’s no way I’m gonna try and play judo with Rick Hawn but I will play MMA with him gladly!
Wallhead has won his last eight fights including his Bellator debut at Bellator 32 earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Thomas. Over his career he’s won six fights by knockout, eight by submission, and six by decision. His opponent Hawn, is undefeated in nine pro fights and made his Bellator debut in his last fight at Bellator 33 by earning a TKO victory over LeVon Maynard.