HOUSTON – It’s not personal, it’s just punishment, according to UFC debutant Khaos Williams.
One of the newest members of the promotion’s roster, Williams (9-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on Alex Morono (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at UFC 247.
Williams accepted the bout on short-notice when Morono’s original opponent, Dhiego Lima, withdrew due to injury. Despite not having much of a camp for this one, Williams told MMA Junkie he’s always in fight shape.
“There really wasn’t no preparation because I’m always ready,” Williams said. “I stay grinding. This is the moment I’ve been waiting on. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting on. I took this fight on two weeks’ notice. (Morono) is a nine-fight UFC veteran. It’s his hometown. It’s just an opportunity I couldn’t miss up. This is why you stay ready – so you don’t have to get ready.”
Being an underdog against a hometown fighter may not sound like the most appealing option to outsiders. However, Williams likes flying under the radar.
“I love it,” Williams said. “This is what I’ve been waiting on. I’m taking on the hometown guy. I’m coming in as the underdog, but I like being an underdog because they never see you coming. I’m ready to silence Houston on Saturday night.”
Williams expects unfamiliar fans to be impressed by what he brings to the cage at UFC 247. Unwilling to predict how the fight ends, Williams said regardless of outcome, Morono’s chin will be tested.
“They’re going to see an extraordinary fighter. I’m here not by chance but by my work and my mentality. It’s simply just because no matter who you put in front of me, I will find a way to win.
“If he makes a mistake, he’s got to pay. Either way, I’m going to win. I don’t know how I’m going to win. It might be a TKO. It might be a knockout. He’s a tough guy and we’re going to test that chin out. It’s not personal, it’s just punishment.”
UFC 247 takes place Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
Check out MMA Junkie’s full UFC 247 pre-fight interview with Williams in the video above.
Khaos Williams hopes to silence UFC 247 crowd: 'It's not personal, it's just punishment'
