On June 3, Ash Williams will defend his Polaris lightweight championship against Ryan Hall at Polaris 24.
Ash Williams, a three-division Polaris champion, will defend his lightweight championship against the seasoned black belt and current UFC featherweight contender Ryan Hall.
Williams would swiftly return to the win column, winning battles at Grapplefest and submitting veteran UFC fighter Carlos Condit with an inside heel hook in his most recent Polaris appearance.
Williams, who has long been regarded as one of the best fighters in the UK, now holds the Polaris championships at bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight. Last September, the Draig BJJ representative fought in his first ADCC World Championships, losing on points to eventual 66kg champion Diogo Reis in the first round.
However, Hall has been virtually gone from the professional grappling scene for the past nine years, focusing instead on his UFC career. He won a bronze medal at the ADCC in 2009 and is recognised for his complicated guard game, notably his inverted attacks, 50/50 attacks, and heel hooks.
After winning Season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2015, Hall joined the UFC. He has only lost once since then, but injuries and other factors have pulled him out of the competition despite a 5-1 record in the UFC over the last eight years. Hall most recently fought in December 2021 at UFC 269, when he won by decision against Darrick Minner.
This encounter has a fascinating contrast of styles. Williams, on the other hand, is a tenacious and tireless pressure passer who will fearlessly wade into the guard, fighting off assaults while eventually wearing out his opponents with numerous passing attempts. Williams’ exceptional leg lock defense, on the other hand, will be put to the test against Hall and his inventive leg lock entrances.
Polaris 24 will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass on Saturday, June 3rd (subscription required).