Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams co-founded Team DRAIG in Wales, where he serves as head coach. Under his guidance, Team DRAIG has become a hub for nurturing emerging Welsh grappling talent. Williams' strategic mentorship and technical instruction have significantly elevated the team's competitive profile, establishing it as one of the UK's leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies.

In 2021, Ashley Williams made history by becoming the first Polaris athlete to simultaneously hold titles in three separate weight divisions: bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight. He achieved this unprecedented milestone by defeating Tom Halpin. Due to logistical challenges associated with defending multiple belts, Williams later vacated one title but continues to hold the Polaris featherweight championship. He is scheduled to defend this title in 2025 against Keith Krikorian.

Ashley Williams has consistently demonstrated his elite status among Europe's top grapplers in ADCC competitions. He secured his place at the prestigious ADCC 2022 by winning the 2022 European Trials. Continuing his competitive momentum, Williams earned a bronze medal in the 66kg division at the 2024 ADCC Europe & Africa Trials, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

In April 2025, Ashley Williams debuted in ONE Championship's submission grappling division against former world champion Fabricio Andrey. Although Williams narrowly lost by decision, his aggressive grappling style was evident throughout the match. He consistently threatened Andrey with precise leglock entries, placing the former champion in danger multiple times and showcasing his technical proficiency and relentless attacking mindset.

Ashley Williams is widely recognized for his aggressive competitive approach and versatile submission arsenal. His return to IBJJF competition at the 2022 IBJJF European No-Gi Championship was marked by a dominant performance, finishing all matches by submission. Williams advocates a modern grappling philosophy, emphasizing the importance of proficiency in both upper and lower body attacks. His tactical versatility and commitment to attacking from every angle exemplify the contemporary evolution of submission grappling.