William Elliott raises his left hand to the sky after win at ROC 59 on Friday, June 2, 2017. Photo Credit: William Elliott.William Elliott captured the regional Ring of Combat bantamweight title after a time where he lost someone close to him.
In 2016, his grandfather William Ridgeway passed away.
About a year later, Elliott (3-0 MMA, 3-0 ROC) won his first professional title by defeating the previously undefeated Brandon Urquijo (2-1 MMA, 2-1 ROC) by unanimous decision at ROC 59 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Friday, June 2.
According to Elliott, there is no excuse for him to not give it his all. It is a message he learned from his grandfather.
“He was like the head man in the family on my mother side and when he passed away I saw so much he did for everyone and so much he had on his plate and still didn’t complain, just went through with it and make a change in life,” Elliott said. “I took his name and his legacy, so I have to let it carry through my veins because honestly, pop pop would be turning in his grave the day I let someone else become the boss of me, when there’s already a boss in me.”
So far in his professional career, Elliott defeated all three of his opponents to remain undefeated. The 23-year-old finished his first two opponents by first-round TKO.
His win against Urquijo marked the first time he fought outside of the opening round.
Although he suffered a lost in his life, Elliott is trying to be a proponent of turning a negative situation into a positive one.
“I contribute most of my success to my hard work, the ancestors that I have lost, the tribe I carry on my back and the struggle that life put me through to stop me from achieving and want to break me,” Elliott said. “But I can’t allow that because I’m much stronger and turned my wounds into wisdom.”
Rather than his record or reputation, the title is physical evidence of his success.
“The title I’ve earned means a great value to myself, it shows my hard work pays off and I’m gonna claim what’s mine in the end,” Elliott said. “It’s my first crown in my whole MMA career so far and hopefully I will gain more. This just a stepping stone.”
Elliott plans to continue to live by the words of his grandfather. The New Jersey native is looking forward to his training and what the future holds for his fighting career.
Most importantl, Elliott strives to remain his own boss inside the cage.
“There’s still more need for improvement,” Elliott said. “But my power levels are rising rapidly just keep and eye out for me.”
By NJ MMA News Staff
