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Jim Wallhead
Jim Wallhead
Jim Wallhead
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Jim Wallhead (born 14 March 1984) is an English former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight division. He has competed for BAMMA, Bellator, and M-1 Challenge and the UFC.[2]

Key Information

Wallhead is a member of Team Rough House and Leicester Shootfighters. In addition to his training at Leicester Shootfighters, Wallhead also works as a coach. Wallhead joined Team Rough House after back-to-back losses at the beginning of his professional career and dropped his competing weight from Light Heavyweight and Middleweight to Welterweight.

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Background

[edit]

Wallhead comes from a judo background, where he holds a black belt. He was introduced to judo accidentally after being taken to a class that was believed to be a karate class. Wallhead was successful early in his judo career for the Beaumont Leys Judo club, before moving to a club in Coventry under Olympic silver medallist Neil Adams. Under Adams, Wallhead won three Under-21s British titles as well as placing 7th in the European youth Olympics.[3]

Wallhead joined Team Rough House in 2005, following back-to-back losses between May and July 2005.[4] Wallhead is still a member of Team Rough House to this date, alongside fighters such as Dan Hardy, Ross Pearson, Paul Daley and Andre Winner. Wallhead also trains Muay Thai with the former multi-time Kickboxing champion Owen Comerie,[4] who previously trained Dan Hardy. Wallhead works his strength and conditioning with Ollie Richardson at the Leicester Tigers Rugby Union training ground.[5] Wallhead also trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Victor Estima, he holds a Black Belt under him.

Early career

[edit]

Early in his career, Wallhead was associated with the Urban Combat Leicester team. He made his semi-professional debut against Steve Matthews on 8 April 2005, in a two-round fight. This fight was fought at heavyweight, at the "Cage Warriors: Quest" event where Wallhead was able to defeat his opponent with a rear naked choke after 27 seconds of the first round.[6]

Wallhead soon turned professional and on 30 April 2005, he made his debut at Cage Warriors: Ultimate Force. Jim fought Leslee Ojugbana, utilising knee strikes from the clinch, whilst preventing Ojugbana from succeeding with takedown attempts. After one-sided striking from Wallhead, Ojugbana gave up his back and Wallhead was able to pull off a rear naked choke for his debut win after just 64 seconds.[7][8]

Wallhead competed just weeks later and made his second professional appearance against Boris Jonstomp at Cage Warriors: Strike Force. This fight was fought at the lower weight of middleweight and saw Wallhead succeed with judo throw attempts early in the fight. However, Wallhead's ground game was not to the same standard at Jonstomp's and he lost via first round submission (neck crank) after 4:20.[9]

This was followed up by his second consecutive loss, two months later at the Cage Warriors: Quest 2 event, at the hands of Chris Rice. Wallhead was TKOd 3:32 into the first round, resulting in a 1–2 record at the start of his professional MMA career. Following this loss, Wallhead joined Team Rough House after meeting Dan Hardy and receiving an invitation to join the team.[10] Upon doing so, Wallhead dropped two weight categories to his current status as a welterweight.[4]

Early affiliation with Team Rough House

[edit]

In his welterweight debut and his first fight under Team Rough House affiliation, Wallhead was victorious. The fight took place at Cage Warriors: Strike Force 3 where Wallhead faced Greco-Roman wrestler Steve Singh-Sidhu. Though Wallhead had dropped to welterweight, he still had a considerable weight advantage over his opponent who weighed in at 3.5 kg less than Wallhead. This perhaps was significant as Singh-Sidhu's strikes seemed to have little bearing on Wallhead, who was able to land takedowns and a standing choke. Midway through the first round, Singh-Sidhu appeared to be backing away from Wallhead, who chased him down with punches and knees to the head. After a shin strike to the head, Singh-Sidhu's corner threw in the towel, resulting in a first-round TKO victory for Wallhead.[11]

In December 2005, Wallhead fought Welshman Paul Jenkins. This was Wallhead's first title fight in mixed martial arts, as they competed for the House of Pain Welterweight title in front of Jenkins' home crowd of Cardiff, Wales.[12] Wallhead won the fight via majority decision after five rounds, giving him the title.[13] Just over two years to that day, Wallhead rematched Jenkins in a kickboxing bout (thus not counting towards his pro-MMA record); this time in Wallhead's hometown of Nottingham. Wallhead showed effective low kicks and combinations which earned him a unanimous decision victory.[14]

After his third successive victory, with his win over Henning Svendsen in March 2006,[15] Wallhead made his first title defense of his House of Pain Welterweight title just two weeks later. His opponent was John Phillips who was making his second professional appearance. Wallhead defeated Phillips to retain the title, after a TKO victory due to elbows.[16]

After going 4–0 under the tutelage of Team Rough House, Wallhead then faced Peter Angerer in May 2006. Despite controlling the fight,[17] Angerer defeated Wallhead via submission (arm-triangle choke). During the submission attempt, Wallhead's arm was stuck, meaning he had to tap with his feet, earning the nickname "Scuba Steve" from his teammates.[18]

European and worldwide exposure

[edit]

Following his loss to Angerer, Wallhead entered the 2H2H 83 kg tournament in Holland, on just 72 hours notice, despite the tournament being at a higher weight than he was adjusted to. In the first round of the tournament, Wallhead defeated Camara Bouna via two-round decision, before defeating Xander Nel in the final via TKO.[5]

Wallhead then captured the Cage Gladiators British Welterweight Title, defeating the UFC veteran Jason Tan.[19][20]

Returning to Cage Warriors, Wallhead faced the UFC-bound Dennis Siver. Despite being on a three fight winning streak, Wallhead was submitted via armbar taking his record to 8–4.[21] Wallhead faced Lewis Barrow four months later[21] and won via submission (punches) to begin a four fight win streak. Wallhead's next three fights resulted in submission victories; a victory via choke over Jordan James,[22] an arm-triangle choke victory over Soli Clichko[23] and a rear naked choke victory over Steven Lynch.[24]

Wallhead began to gain more recognition and exposure in the United States when his fight against Charles Blanchard was featured on Inside MMA on HDNet. Unfortunately for Wallhead, this fight resulted in a decision loss.[25] Wallhead would later state: "I didn't throw my hands enough in the first round when I was fresh and that's my own fault."[26]

Wallhead then began to show improved boxing and knockout power in his next few fights, the first of which was against Tom Haddock in April 2008[27] who he defeated via submission due to punches.

Just under three months later, Wallhead faced off against Fabricio Nascimento. Wallhead kept the fight on their feet throughout, preventing Nascimento's takedowns. Frustrated by Wallhead's superior boxing, Nascimento visibly showed his disdain.[28][29] Wallhead took the unanimous decision victory which was regarded as the most important victory he had claimed at that stage in his career.[29]

Wallhead's next fight came at M-1 Challenge UK in September 2008 and was intended to be against Jason Ball. However, Ball had to withdraw with a knee injury and was replaced by Igor Araújo. In preparation for his fight with Araújo, Wallhead temporarily joined Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada to further polish his skills.[5]

Wallhead continued to show his much improved boxing, most notably this knockout of Fabio Toldo.

Araújo himself had just finished training at Xtreme Couture and entered the fight having won seven of his last eight fights.[5] After just 79 seconds, Wallhead won via TKO due to punches - the fifth TKO victory of his career.[30]

Wallhead then applied to become a castmember of The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. After passing the assessment and interview successfully, he was told he was "too experienced" for the show,[31] though strangely, he was instead made into an "alternate" who would step up if another castmember withdrew with injury.[32]

Wallhead would then have an eight-month layoff. This was due to his signing with the debuting "British Fighting Championships" - an organisation aimed at combining domestic British MMA into one entity[33] - that would eventually dissolve before its premiere broadcast.[34] The knockout-style tournament saw him drawn against the Brazilian Fabio Toldo.[35][36] However, the BFC organisation would eventually dissolve and in May 2009, the Ultimate Force organisation picked up the fight. The fight saw Wallhead continue to use his improved boxing after an early scare, where Toldo knocked Wallhead down. Wallhead would go on to defeat his opponent via knockout, which was described by one of Wallhead's team mates as "one of the worst knockouts they've seen".[37]

In September 2009, Wallhead won the Clash of Warriors Welterweight title by defeating Marius Buzinskas.[38]

In November 2009, Wallhead scored arguably the most high-profile win of his career when he defeated The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom participant Che Mills at "Knuckleup At The Manor" in Newport, Wales. The fight, which was seen as "a clash between the UK’s two top unsigned welterweights,"[39] was a close fight that was difficult to score for the judges. Mills was able to block Wallhead's takedown attempts and get back up quickly when Wallhead was successful. In the first round, Wallhead was able to take Mills down and get into side mount, though Mills almost won the first round in the eyes of the judges after a late flurry of strikes.[39] The second round saw Mills use foot stomps and elbows from the clinch, which prevented Wallhead from utilising his wrestling. In the final round, Wallhead continued with takedowns before hitting Mills with elbows. With 45 seconds of the fight remaining, Wallhead was able to cut Mills with his strikes.[39]

Wallhead's overall control, strategy and constant aggression led to him taking a unanimous decision.[39]

Bellator Fighting Championships

[edit]

Despite speculation about joining the UFC, in December 2009, Wallhead was signed by the Bellator Fighting Championships to compete in their 2010 eight man, number 1 contender Welterweight Tournament, which began on 8 April 2010.[40]

Wallhead returned after a long absence due to his withdrawal from the Bellator tournament, to defeat Shaun Lomas via rear naked choke in a middleweight bout.

Wallhead's first appearance in the tournament was scheduled to be at Bellator 15 against the American Jacob McClintock.[41]

However, on 20 April, just two days before his fight with McClintock, Wallhead was forced to withdraw from the Bellator tournament as he was grounded in England due to the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull. Wallhead was replaced by Ryan Thomas.[42]

A month later, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated that they were aiming to include Wallhead in the third season - despite the absence of a welterweight tournament - with a view to including him in the fourth season's welterweight tournament.[43]

In the meantime, Wallhead took a fight in Cage Warriors against Shaun Lomas and defeated him via rear naked choke in the first round.[44] Due to an injury to Wallhead's previous opponent, Lomas had to step in at short notice, meaning that Wallhead competed at middleweight for the first time in two years.[45]

Bellator's plans to include Wallhead in their third season were confirmed in September 2010, when Wallhead signed to face Ryan Thomas on 14 October 2010 at Bellator 32.[46] Wallhead went on to defeat Thomas via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28).[47]

In the fourth season welterweight tournament opening round, Wallhead faced fellow judoka, Rick Hawn, losing via unanimous decision.[48]

BAMMA

[edit]

Wallhead made his BAMMA debut at BAMMA 7 against Frank Trigg. Trigg was set to face Tom 'Kong' Watson for Watson's middleweight title, but Watson suffered a back injury forcing his withdrawal and allowing Wallhead to step up as his replacement.[48] In the opening round, Wallhead caught Trigg with a left hook which appeared to hurt him, before executing a successful takedown. He ended the first round landing ground-and-pound shots which opened up a cut on Trigg's cheek. The second round saw Wallhead land the stronger strikes, but less often than Trigg. The final round was also close, though Wallhead once again managed to rock Trigg early in the round. The fight went to the judges, where Wallhead won via split decision (29-28, 28-29 and 30-27).[49]

He competed at BAMMA 8 in a welterweight bout against Joey Villasenor, winning via first-round KO.

Wallhead faced off against UFC veteran Matt Veach in the main event of BAMMA 12 in Newcastle, England on 9 March 2013.[50] He won the fight via submission in the first round.

Return to Bellator

[edit]

Wallhead returned to Bellator to compete in the season seven welterweight tournament. His opening round match was against Lyman Good.[51] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Back to BAMMA

[edit]

On 9 March 2013 he took on UFC veteran Matt Veach at BAMMA 12, winning by first round submission due to Rear-Naked Choke. Wallhead faced former TUF contestant Eddy Ellis at BAMMA 13 on 14 September 2013. He lost the fight in a highly controversial decision after breaking Ellis' jaw in the first round and stuffing many of his takedown attempts.

KSW

[edit]

In mid-2015, Wallhead signed with Poland-based promotion Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki,[52] and faced Rafał Moks at KSW 32: Road to Wembley in a welterweight bout on 31 October 2015.[53] He won the bout via TKO due to punches.

WFCA

[edit]

On 9 April 2016, Wallhead fought at WFCA 17 against Gennadiy Kovalev. He won the bout via unanimous decision[54]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

On 27 June 2016, Wallhead signed with the UFC to fight Jessin Ayari at UFC Fight Night 93, replacing Emil Meek.[55] He lost the fight via split decision.[56]

Wallhead faced Luan Chagas on 3 June 2017 at UFC 212.[57] He lost the fight via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the second round.[58]

Wallhead was expected to face Warlley Alves on 21 October 2017 at UFC Fight Night 118.[59] However, Wallhead pulled out of the fight on 14 October citing an injury.[60]

Wallhead was tested positive from an out-of-competition test collected on 7 October 2017 by USADA .[61] On February 6, 2018 he received a nine month USADA suspension for violation for tested ostarine and its metabolite as the result of a contaminated supplement and clear to compete again on July 7, 2018.[62]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

In his Bellator debut, Wallhead faced Abner Lloveras on 9 February 2019 at Bellator: Newcastle. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Wallhead faced Giorgio Pietrini on 4 May 2019 at Bellator: Birmingham. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Cage Warriors

[edit]

Wallhead faced Daniel Skibiński at Cage Warriors 141 on 22 July 2022. He won the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.[63]

Wallhead faced Mateusz Figlak for the Interim Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship on 12 November 2022 at Cage Warriors 146. He won the title and the bout, knocking out Figlak in the first round.[64]

Wallhead faced Rhys McKee on 29 April 2023 at Cage Warriors 153 in a unification of the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship. Wallhead's corner threw in the towel at the end of the fourth round, with Wallhead retiring from MMA after the bout.[65]

Bare-knuckle boxing

[edit]

Wallhead is scheduled to make his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut against Dawid Chylinski on 28 June 2025 at BKFC 77.[66]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]
  • Cage Warriors
    • Interim Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship
  • Clash of Warriors
    • COW Welterweight Championship (one time)
  • Cage Gladiators
    • CG British Welterweight Championship (one time)
  • House of Pain
    • HoP Welterweight Championship (one time)
    • One successful title defense
  • 2 Hot 2 Handle
    • 2H2H: Road to Japan 83 kg tournament winner

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
45 matches 33 wins 12 losses
By knockout 13 3
By submission 10 4
By decision 10 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 33–12 Rhys McKee TKO (corner stoppage) Cage Warriors 153 29 April 2023 4 5:00 Dublin, Ireland For the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship.
Win 33–11 Mateusz Figlak KO (punches) Cage Warriors 146 12 November 2022 1 1:39 Manchester, England Won the interim Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship.
Win 32–11 Daniel Skibiński TKO (punch) Cage Warriors 141 22 July 2022 1 1:26 London, England
Win 31–11 Giorgio Pietrini Decision (unanimous) Bellator: Birmingham 4 May 2019 3 5:00 Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Win 30–11 Abner Lloveras Decision (unanimous) Bellator: Newcastle 9 February 2019 3 5:00 Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Loss 29–11 Luan Chagas Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 212 3 June 2017 2 4:48 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 29–10 Jessin Ayari Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett 3 September 2016 3 5:00 Hamburg, Germany
Win 29–9 Gennadiy Kovalev Decision (unanimous) WFCA 17 - Grand Prix Akhmat 2016 9 April 2016 3 5:00 Grozny, Russia
Win 28–9 Rafał Moks KO (punch) KSW 32: Road to Wembley 31 October 2015 2 2:26 London, England
Win 27–9 Rodrigo Ribeiro KO (punch) Abu Dhabi Warriors 2 26 March 2015 1 3:10 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 26–9 Juan Manuel Suarez KO (punches) CWFC 73: Ray vs. Warburton 3 1 November 2014 1 1:49 Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Loss 25–9 Danny Roberts KO (punches) CWFC 68: Roberts vs. Wallhead 3 May 2014 1 4:49 Liverpool, England
Win 25–8 Florent Betorangal KO (slam) BAMMA 14 14 December 2013 3 0:21 Birmingham, England
Loss 24–8 Eddy Ellis Decision (split) BAMMA 13 14 September 2013 3 5:00 Birmingham, England For the inaugural BAMMA World Welterweight Championship.
Win 24–7 Matt Veach Submission (rear-naked choke) BAMMA 12 9 March 2013 1 3:05 Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Loss 23–7 Lyman Good Decision (unanimous) Bellator 74 28 September 2012 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Welterweight tournament quarterfinal.
Win 23–6 Joey Villaseñor KO (punches) BAMMA 8 10 December 2011 1 0:48 Nottingham, England
Win 22–6 Frank Trigg Decision (split) BAMMA 7 10 September 2011 3 5:00 Birmingham, England Middleweight bout.
Loss 21–6 Rick Hawn Decision (unanimous) Bellator 35 5 March 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Welterweight tournament quarterfinal.
Win 21–5 Ryan Thomas Decision (unanimous) Bellator 32 14 October 2010 3 5:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 20–5 Shaun Lomas Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Warriors 37: Right to Fight 22 May 2010 1 2:34 Birmingham, England Middleweight bout.
Win 19–5 Che Mills Decision (unanimous) KnuckleUp MMA 3: Mills vs. Wallhead 1 November 2009 3 5:00 Newport, Wales
Win 18–5 Marius Buzinskas Submission (neck crank) Clash of Warriors 7: No Way Out 5 September 2009 1 1:08 Nottingham, England Won the COW Welterweight Championship.
Win 17–5 Fabio Santana Toldo KO (punches) Ultimate Force: Oblivion 16 May 2009 1 3:46 Doncaster, England
Win 16–5 Igor Araújo TKO (punches) M-1 Challenge 7: UK 27 September 2008 1 1:19 Nottingham, England
Win 15–5 Fabricio Nascimento Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors: Enter the Rough House 7 12 July 2008 3 5:00 Nottingham, England
Win 14–5 Tom Haddock Submission (punches) Cage Warriors: Enter the Rough House 6 19 April 2008 2 3:49 Nottingham, England Middleweight bout.
Loss 13–5 Charles Blanchard Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors: USA Battle Royale 29 March 2008 3 5:00 Kissimmee, Florida, United States
Win 13–4 Steven Lynch Submission (rear-naked choke) CWFC: Enter The Rough House 4 14 October 2007 1 1:53 Nottingham, England
Win 12–4 Marius Liaukevicius Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) CWFC: Enter The Rough House 3 21 July 2007 1 2:52 Nottingham, England
Win 11–4 Jordan James Submission (choke) House of Pain: Fight Night 9 3 June 2007 1 4:09 Swansea, Wales
Win 10–4 Lewis Barrow Submission (punches) CWFC: Enter The Rough House 2 28 April 2007 2 1:40 Nottingham, England
Loss 9–4 Dennis Siver Submission (armbar) CWFC: Enter The Rough House 9 December 2006 2 3:31 Nottingham, England
Win 9–3 Jason Tan Decision (split) Cage Gladiators II: The Next Generation 3 September 2006 3 5:00 Liverpool, England Won the Cage Gladiators British Welterweight Championship.
Win 8–3 Xander Nel TKO (punches) 2 Hot 2 Handle: Road To Japan 18 June 2006 1 2:06 Amsterdam, Netherlands Won the 2H2H 83 kg tournament.
Win 7–3 Camara Bouna Decision 2 Hot 2 Handle: Road To Japan 18 June 2006 2 3:00 Amsterdam, Netherlands 2H2H 83 kg tournament opening round.
Loss 6–3 Peter Angerer Submission (arm-triangle choke) CWFC: Strike Force 6 27 May 2006 1 1:49 Coventry, England
Win 6–2 John Phillips TKO (elbows) House of Pain: Fight Night 5 9 April 2006 1 1:41 Swansea, Wales Defended the House of Pain Welterweight Championship.
Win 5–2 Henning Svendsen TKO (punches) CWFC: Strike Force 5 25 March 2006 1 2:06 Coventry, England
Win 4–2 Paul Jenkins Decision (majority) House of Pain: Fight Night 4 3 December 2005 5 5:00 Cardiff, Wales Won the House of Pain Welterweight Championship.
Win 3–2 Steve Singh-Sidhu TKO (corner stoppage) CWFC: Strike Force 3 1 October 2005 1 3:14 Coventry, England Welterweight debut.
Loss 2–2 Chris Rice TKO (punches) CWFC: Quest 2 29 July 2005 1 3:32 Sheffield, England Light Heavyweight bout.
Loss 2–1 Boris Jonstomp Submission (neck crank) CWFC: Strike Force 21 May 2005 1 4:20 Coventry, England Middleweight bout.
Win 2–0 Leslee Ojugbana Submission (rear-naked choke) CWFC: Ultimate Force 30 April 2005 1 1:20 Sheffield, England Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 1–0 Steve Mathews Submission (rear-naked choke) CWFC: Quest 1 8 April 2005 1 N/A Sheffield, England

[11]

Titles and accomplishments

[edit]
  • Judo
    • Three time Under-21 British Judo champion
    • Seventh place in the European Youth Olympics
  • Mixed Martial Arts
    • Former House of Pain Welterweight champion (defended once, then relinquished)
    • 2H2H 83 kg tournament winner
    • Former Cage Gladiators British Welterweight champion
    • Clash of Warriors Welterweight champion

Personal life

[edit]

Wallhead has a son and a daughter.[5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jim Wallhead

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jim Wallhead (born 14 March 1984) is an English former professional mixed martial artist who competed primarily in the division, amassing a record of 32 wins and 12 losses over an 18-year career. Known by the nickname "Judo" for his black belt expertise in and , Wallhead earned a reputation for his prowess combined with power, securing 14 of his victories by or TKO and 8 by submission. He captured the interim Fighting Championship title in November 2022 with a first-round over Mateusz Figlak at 146, marking one of the promotion's most explosive title wins. Wallhead's professional debut came in 2005, where he quickly established himself on the European MMA scene, fighting for promotions such as Ultimate Combat and before breaking into major leagues. He made his (UFC) debut in 2016, going 0-3 in three bouts from 2016 to 2017. Wallhead also appeared in , where he notched a victory over in 2010 but lost to Rick Hawn, and in , defeating high-profile opponents such as Matt Veach and . He competed in in 2008, with a win over Igor Araujo. Following a TKO loss to Rhys McKee in a title unification bout at 153 on 29 April 2023, Wallhead announced his retirement from MMA at age 39, tearfully laying down his gloves in the cage after a career highlighted by resilience and contributions to British MMA. In 2025, he transitioned to , debuting with the (BKFC) against Dawid Chylinski at BKFC 77 on 28 June, where he suffered a first-round defeat but demonstrated his enduring fighting spirit. Post-retirement, Wallhead has focused on , serving as head coach at HW1 Fitness in , , while mentoring young fighters in MMA and .

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Introduction to Martial Arts

Jim Wallhead was born on March 14, 1984, in , , . He grew up in a working-class family in the Shelthorpe area of , where his parents began their married life with limited financial resources—reportedly just 17 pounds between them—but eventually built a more stable and comfortable existence. His father was a county-level champion, and his mother excelled as a county champion, instilling in him an early appreciation for athletic discipline. Wallhead's introduction to martial arts occurred at age seven, sparked by his fascination with the 1984 film . Eager to start training, he was instead enrolled by his mother in a local club due to a mix-up in directions, an error that inadvertently launched his deep involvement in the sport. Through consistent training at community clubs in , Wallhead progressed rapidly in , achieving his black belt by the age of 16. This early mastery provided a strong base that later influenced his transition to training.

Amateur Achievements and Training

He quickly showed promise, winning two local tournaments within his first two months of training. Under the guidance of his initial instructor, known as , Wallhead competed frequently in youth events organized by the British Judo Association, building a strong foundation in techniques. As a junior competitor, Wallhead achieved notable success in national championships, securing three gold medals across cadet and under-21 categories, establishing him as a three-time British junior champion. At age 15, he qualified for and competed in the , where he placed seventh in a high-profile international event held in a large . This accomplishment highlighted his competitive prowess on the European stage, though he continued training and competing domestically until around age 17. Wallhead's training progressed through local gyms in Leicestershire, where he dedicated nearly a decade to before expanding into other disciplines. He earned a black belt in at the age of 16, reflecting his technical mastery in throws and groundwork. He also pursued (BJJ), achieving black belt status, and participated in early tournaments, including events affiliated with his , Leicester Shootfighters, where team members collectively earned regional medals in such competitions. To develop his striking skills, Wallhead incorporated cross-training in , which complemented his base. This diverse amateur foundation influenced his later wrestling-oriented fighting style in .

Mixed Martial Arts Career

Professional Debut and UK Promotions (2005–2009)

Jim Wallhead made his professional debut on April 30, 2005, at Fighting Championship (CWFC) 11: in , , where he submitted Leslee Ojugbana via rear-naked choke at 1:20 of the first round. His early career was marked by a mix of successes and setbacks in smaller promotions, showcasing a grappling-heavy style rooted in his judo black belt background, often transitioning to ground-and-pound dominance after takedowns. Following the debut win, Wallhead suffered his first professional loss just three weeks later on May 21, 2005, at CWFC 12: Strike Force, tapping to a neck crank from Boris Jonstomp at 4:20 of the opening round. Wallhead rebounded with back-to-back victories later in 2005, earning a TKO (corner stoppage) over Steve Singh-Sidhu at CWFC 16: Strike Force 3 on October 1 and a against Paul Jenkins at 4: Fight Night 4 on December 3, both in first-round stoppages or full bouts that highlighted his endurance. In 2006, he continued building momentum in domestic events, securing a first-round TKO (punches) against Henning Svendsen at CWFC 21: Strike Force 5 on March 25 and a TKO (elbows) over John Phillips at 5: Fight Night 5 on April 9. A submission loss to Peter Angerer via arm-triangle choke at CWFC 23: Strike Force 6 on May 27 prompted Wallhead to affiliate more closely with Team Rough House, a Nottingham-based camp that refined his wrestling and striking integration. He then won the 2H2H: Road to tournament in on June 18, defeating Camara Bouna by decision and Xander Nel via TKO (punches) in the same night. A pivotal achievement came on September 3, 2006, at Cage Gladiators 2 in Liverpool, where Wallhead captured the promotion's British welterweight title with a split decision victory over UFC veteran Jason Tan, demonstrating resilient defense against Tan's aggressive striking over three rounds. However, he dropped the title in his next outing on December 9, 2006, at CWFC 26: Enter the Rough House, submitting to an armbar from Dennis Siver at 3:31 of the second round. Wallhead's 2007 campaign was a breakout year in UK circuits, with four straight wins: a second-round TKO (punches) against Lewis Barrow at CWFC 27: Enter the Rough House 2 on April 28, a first-round submission (choke) over Jordan James at House of Pain 9: Fight Night 9 on June 3, a technical submission (arm-triangle choke) versus Marius Liaukevicius at CWFC 28: Enter the Rough House 3 on July 21, and a rear-naked choke finish against Steven Lynch at CWFC 30: Enter the Rough House 4 on October 14. These victories solidified his reputation for versatile submissions and ground control in promotions like CWFC and House of Pain. Entering 2008, Wallhead faced his first defeat of the year on March 29 at CWFC USA: Battle Royale in Springfield, Missouri—though organized by the UK-based promotion—losing a unanimous decision to Charles Blanchard after three competitive rounds. He responded with three consecutive wins: a second-round TKO (punches) over Tom Haddock at CWFC 33: Enter the Rough House 6 on April 19, a unanimous decision against Fabricio Nascimento at CWFC 34: Enter the Rough House 7 on July 12, and a dominant first-round TKO (punches) versus Igor Araujo at M-1 Challenge 7: UK on September 27 in Newcastle. In 2009, Wallhead maintained his upward trajectory with a first-round knockout of Fabio Santana Toldo via punches at Ultimate Fight Night: Oblivion on May 16 in Leicester, a quick neck crank submission of Marius Buzinskas at Champions of the World 7: No Way Out on September 5, and a unanimous decision win over Che Mills at KnuckleUp MMA 3 on November 1. By the end of 2009, Wallhead had compiled a professional record of 18-4, establishing himself as a top UK welterweight prospect through consistent performances in regional promotions emphasizing his judo-derived grappling and finishing ability.

Affiliation with Team Rough House and European Exposure (2009–2010)

In 2009, Jim Wallhead aligned himself with Team Rough House, a prominent MMA training camp based in , , where he honed his skills alongside notable fighters such as and . This affiliation marked a pivotal phase in his career, providing access to high-level coaching and sparring that emphasized grappling and striking integration, building on his judo black belt background. Wallhead's training at the camp contributed to a refined approach, incorporating more ground control elements into his stand-up heavy style, which became evident in his subsequent performances. During this period, Wallhead competed in several UK-based events that extended his visibility across European MMA circuits. A standout victory came on November 1, 2009, against at KnuckleUp MMA 3 in , where he earned a win after three rounds of competitive striking exchanges. Earlier that year, on September 5, he submitted Marius Buzinskas via neck crank in the second round at Clash of Warriors 7 in , , showcasing his submission prowess. On May 16, 2009, Wallhead secured a first-round against Fabio Toldo at Ultimate Fighting - Oblivion, further solidifying his knockout power. Wallhead's momentum continued into 2010 with a win over Shaun Lomas at 37 on May 22 in Birmingham, , where he won by rear-naked choke submission in the first round. This bout under the banner, a leading European promotion, highlighted his growing regional prominence and helped elevate his professional record to 20-4. These victories, totaling four in the span, demonstrated Wallhead's evolving wrestling-integrated , allowing him to control fights on the ground while maintaining offensive pressure. Through participation in promotions like and Clash of Warriors, Wallhead gained broader European exposure, attracting attention from international scouts and setting the stage for opportunities in larger tournaments.

Initial Stint in Bellator Fighting Championships (2010–2012)

Jim Wallhead made his promotional debut with Bellator Fighting Championships on October 14, 2010, at Bellator 32 in , defeating by unanimous decision after three rounds (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). The victory highlighted Wallhead's striking and control against the American wrestler, marking a successful entry into the U.S. market following his European successes. Wallhead's next appearance came in the Season 4 welterweight tournament quarterfinals at Bellator 35 on March 5, 2011, in , where he faced undefeated wrestler Rick Hawn. Despite a competitive striking exchange, Wallhead lost by (29-28, 29-28, 30-27), as Hawn's pressure and takedown defense proved decisive in the three-round bout. This early tournament exit demonstrated the challenges of adapting to Bellator's larger cage and high-level opponents. After a year focused on UK promotions like BAMMA, Wallhead returned to Bellator for the Season 7 tournament opening round at Bellator 74 on September 28, 2012, in . He was outstruck and controlled on the feet by former champion , resulting in a loss (29-27, 29-27, 29-27). Over this initial two-year stint, Wallhead achieved a 1-2 record in Bellator, gaining valuable experience against diverse styles while navigating tournament formats and the promotion's 170-pound division.

BAMMA and Overlapping UK Fights (2011–2014)

Wallhead made his debut with the British Association of () on September 10, 2011, at 7 in Birmingham, , where he secured a victory over veteran after three rounds. This win marked a strong entry into the promotion, as Wallhead, fighting at , overcame Trigg's attempts with effective striking and takedown defense in front of a supportive audience. Less than three months later, on December 10, 2011, at 8, he returned at and delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Joey Villasenor via punches just 48 seconds into the bout, showcasing his explosive power and earning praise for overwhelming a seasoned opponent. Wallhead's momentum continued into 2013 with a dominant performance at 12 on March 9, submitting Matt Veach via rear-naked choke in the first round at 3:05, a victory that highlighted his judo-based prowess against a UFC fighter. However, his title aspirations faced a setback at 13 on September 14, when he challenged for the vacant Welterweight Championship against Eddy Ellis and lost via after a closely contested three-round fight marked by Wallhead's early striking success but Ellis's late control. Wallhead rebounded quickly at 14 on December 14, securing a third-round victory over Florent Betorangal with a slam at 0:21, capitalizing on the home crowd's energy at the LG Arena in Birmingham to finish the fight emphatically. Throughout this period, Wallhead balanced his commitments with appearances in other promotions, including , where he went 1-1. On May 3, 2014, at Cage Warriors 68, he suffered a first-round loss to Danny Roberts via punches at 4:49, but on November 1, 2014, at Cage Warriors 73, he avenged setbacks with a first-round of Juan Manuel Suarez at 1:49. These domestic bouts, often in front of enthusiastic British crowds, helped Wallhead maintain a 5-2 record across events from 2011 to 2014, reinforcing his status as a prominent figure in the regional scene while building toward international opportunities.

Return to Bellator and Mid-Career Challenges (2014–2016)

Wallhead resumed his professional MMA career in 2014 following a period of activity in promotions, facing early setbacks that tested his resilience. On May 3, 2014, at Cage Warriors 68 in , , he suffered a first-round loss to Danny Roberts via punches at 4:49, marking a rare stoppage defeat and exposing vulnerabilities in his striking defense against aggressive prospects. Later that year, on November 1, 2014, at Cage Warriors 73 in Newcastle, , Wallhead rebounded with a dominant first-round over Juan Manuel Suarez via punches at 1:49, showcasing his signature power punching to end the bout decisively. In 2015, Wallhead maintained momentum with two knockout wins, demonstrating improved consistency amid a fluctuating schedule. He secured a first-round against Rodrigo Ribeiro via punch at 3:10 on March 26 at Abu Dhabi Warriors 2 in , , capitalizing on his heavy hands early in the fight. Later, on October 31 at KSW 32 in , , he earned a second-round TKO over Rafal Moks via punches at 2:26, controlling the exchanges before finishing on the feet. These victories contributed to a 3-1 record for the year, though persistent professional challenges, including inconsistent booking across promotions, began to highlight mid-career hurdles in maintaining peak performance. Entering 2016, Wallhead aimed to build toward major opportunities, starting with a win over Gennadiy Kovalev on April 9 at WFCA 17 in , , after three rounds of controlled wrestling and striking. To address defensive gaps exposed in prior losses, he adjusted his training by temporarily joining Shootfighters camp, gaining access to elite partners like to sharpen his cardio, takedown defense, and overall fight IQ ahead of higher-profile bouts. This period culminated in his long-awaited UFC contract, earned through a string of finishes that caught the promotion's attention, though it bridged ongoing struggles with a 4-2 overall record from 2014 to 2016 marked by stoppages and decisions that underscored the need for sustained evolution in his game.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (2016–2017)

Wallhead signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in June 2016, marking his entry into the premier mixed martial arts promotion after a distinguished career in regional and international circuits. His UFC debut occurred on September 3, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 93 in Hamburg, Germany, where he faced fellow newcomer Jessin Ayari in a welterweight bout. Entering the fight with a professional record of 29-9, Wallhead dropped a close split decision loss (29-28 Ayari, 28-29 Wallhead, 30-27 Ayari) after three rounds of competitive striking exchanges, with Ayari's volume edging out Wallhead's power shots and late knockdown. Wallhead returned to the on June 3, 2017, at in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, against Brazilian prospect Luan Chagas. The bout showcased Wallhead's resilience early, as he absorbed pressure and landed counters in the first round, but Chagas capitalized in the second with a left hook knockdown followed by a rear-naked choke submission at 4:48. This loss brought Wallhead's UFC record to 0-2 and his overall mark to 29-11, highlighting the challenges of competing against the promotion's diverse, high-level talent pool. Wallhead's time in the UFC proved brief, as he was released from the promotion in August 2018 following his unsuccessful run and a subsequent nine-month suspension for a contaminated supplement violation detected in late 2017. Despite the setbacks, the stint exposed him to global competition at the highest level, contributing to his development before transitioning to other promotions.

KSW, WFCA, and Eastern European Promotions (2017–2018)

Following his release from the after back-to-back losses in 2016 and 2017, Jim Wallhead entered a period of professional inactivity during the latter part of 2017 and throughout 2018. This hiatus was primarily due to a suspension imposed by the (USADA), stemming from a failed out-of-competition conducted on , 2017. Wallhead tested positive for ostarine and its , a prohibited anabolic agent, which he attributed to contamination in a supplement he had been using. On February 6, 2018, he accepted a nine-month suspension retroactive to November 7, 2017, along with the forfeiture of any fight purses from that period, effectively sidelining him until August 2018. During this time, Wallhead focused on coaching at his gym, Hardy-Wallhead MMA in , , while maintaining his training regimen to prepare for a potential return. No bouts occurred in Eastern European promotions such as KSW or WFCA during this timeframe, as Wallhead's prior experience in the region dated back to with a victory over Gennadiy Kovalev at WFCA 17 in , . The suspension marked a challenging phase in his career, delaying opportunities for resurgence in international circuits and shifting his emphasis toward recovery and strategic planning for future competitions.

Later Career in Bellator and Cage Warriors (2019–2023)

Wallhead returned to in 2019 after a period away from the promotion, facing Abner Lloveras on February 9 at Bellator Newcastle in , . He secured a victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after three rounds, showcasing his prowess to control the fight on the ground. Later that year, on May 4 at Bellator Birmingham, Wallhead defeated Giorgio Pietrini by another (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), relying on effective striking and takedown defense to outpoint his opponent over the full distance. These wins marked a successful brief resurgence in Bellator, highlighting Wallhead's enduring veteran skills at age 38. Shifting focus to Cage Warriors, where he had competed earlier in his career, Wallhead made a strong comeback in 2022. On July 30 at 141 in , he stopped Daniel Skibiński via TKO (punches) at 1:26 of the first round, dropping his opponent with a right hook and following up with ground strikes. This victory propelled him into a title opportunity on November 12 at 146 in , where he challenged Mateusz Figlak for the interim championship. Wallhead claimed the belt with a first-round via punches at 1:39, landing a devastating left hook that rendered Figlak unconscious. Wallhead's final MMA bout came on April 29, 2023, at 153 in , , as he defended his interim title against Rhys McKee in a unification bout for the undisputed crown. McKee won by TKO (corner stoppage) at the end of the fourth round, as Wallhead's corner threw in the towel due to accumulated damage from McKee's striking. This loss closed Wallhead's professional MMA record at 32-12, underscoring his resilience as a 39-year-old fighter who competed across three decades and multiple continents.

Retirement and Legacy in MMA (2023)

Following his defeat to McKee via corner stoppage in the fourth round of their title unification bout at 153 on April 29, 2023, in , , Jim Wallhead announced his retirement from in the cage, visibly emotional as he reflected on an 18-year professional career. Wallhead cited the need to prioritize time, stating, "It's time to get home to the wife and kids," after entering the event with a record of 32-11 and concluding his MMA tenure at 32-12. Wallhead's legacy in MMA is marked by his resilience across major promotions, including stints in the UFC, Bellator Fighting Championships, and , where he helped elevate the division through high-profile victories and a distinctive fighting style rooted in . Nicknamed "Judo" for his black belt expertise, he was renowned for explosive judo throws that transitioned seamlessly into ground control and finishes, contributing to 10 submission wins in his career. His striking power yielded 13 or TKO victories, with standout moments like his first-round of Juan Manuel Suarez at 73 in 2014, underscoring his ability to end fights decisively. Wallhead's participation in Bellator's 4 and 7 tournaments highlighted his competitive depth in multi-fight formats. As a pioneer in the MMA scene, his long-term affiliation with Team Rough House fostered a pathway for emerging British talent, influencing the development of the regional circuit. Post-retirement, Wallhead has transitioned into mentorship, continuing his role as a coach at Team Rough House in , where he imparts his expertise in , , and fight strategy to younger fighters. His contributions extend to training sessions that emphasize technical precision and , drawing from his own experiences across 44 professional bouts. In 2025, Wallhead briefly explored as a new combat outlet, though his primary focus remains on coaching and legacy-building in MMA.

Bare-Knuckle Boxing Career

Transition to Bare-Knuckle Fighting

Following his retirement from in 2023 after an 18-year career, Jim Wallhead, then aged 41, signed with the (BKFC) in May 2025 to pursue a new challenge in the striking-only discipline. The announcement came via and promotional channels, highlighting his intent to leverage his renowned knockout power in a format without gloves, where hand strikes would be unmitigated by padding. Wallhead's motivations for unretiring stemmed from a persistent craving for the adrenaline and intensity absent in life, describing himself as a "sucker for punishment" who felt unfulfilled after nearly two years away from competition. In a June 2025 interview at the BKFC 77 , he explained that a leg injury in late 2024—breaking his and —followed by six months of recovery, had initially sidelined him, but discussions with BKFC President Andrew Scott during that period reignited his competitive fire, prompting him to seek the raw excitement of bare-knuckle bouts over the grappling-heavy elements of MMA. This transition represented an opportunity to focus purely on stand-up striking, drawing from his black belt background to emphasize precise, powerful punches without the risk of takedowns. Preparation involved rigorous adjustments to accommodate bare-knuckle's demands, including intensified hand conditioning to withstand direct impacts and to shorter two-minute rounds compared to MMA's five-minute structure. Wallhead emphasized in pre-debut discussions that at 41 and after extended time off, he could not afford complacency, committing to exhaustive sessions to rebuild sharpness and test his striking prowess from a judo-influenced base. The lead-up to his BKFC debut generated significant hype, with Wallhead openly sharing in interviews his mix of nerves and eagerness, vowing to deliver a strong performance that honored his veteran status and showcased the ability honed over 44 fights. He framed the move as a one-off exploration to cap his combat sports journey, expressing excitement about representing seasoned fighters in the emerging bare-knuckle scene.

BKFC Debut and Results (2025)

Jim Wallhead made his professional debut on June 28, 2025, facing Dawid Chylinski at BKFC 77: Tierney vs. Christie, held at in Birmingham, . The bout ended quickly in Chylinski's favor, with Wallhead suffering a loss via punches at 0:46 of the first round. Chylinski applied immediate pressure, scoring two knockdowns before securing the finish, highlighting the Polish fighter's aggressive start against the transitioning MMA veteran. This debut marked Wallhead's entry into bare-knuckle fighting after a distinguished MMA career, where the format's lack of gloves amplified risks such as hand injuries for strikers accustomed to padded protection. As of November 2025, Wallhead holds a 0-1 record in BKFC with no scheduled return bouts announced.

Championships and Accomplishments

MMA Titles Won

Jim Wallhead competed primarily in the division at 170 pounds throughout his MMA career, securing several regional championships in prominent promotions that helped establish his reputation as a top British fighter in the early . Wallhead first captured the House of Pain Welterweight Championship on December 3, 2005, defeating Paul Jenkins via in the main event of HOP 4: Fight Night 4, held in , . This victory marked his entry into title contention in one of the 's burgeoning regional circuits, known for showcasing emerging British talent. He successfully defended the title twice: first on April 9, 2006, against John Phillips via TKO (elbows) at HOP 5: Fight Night 5, and again on June 3, 2007, submitting Jordan James with a choke at HOP 9: Fight Night 9. These defenses solidified his dominance in the promotion, which operated as a key stepping stone for before larger organizations like gained prominence. Wallhead won the 2H2H 83 kg tournament on June 18, 2006, defeating Camara Bouna via decision and Xander Nel via TKO (punches) in one night at 2H2H: Road to Japan in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Less than a year later, on September 3, 2006, Wallhead won the inaugural Cage Gladiators British Welterweight Championship by defeating UFC veteran Jason Tan via split decision over three rounds at Cage Gladiators 2: The Next Generation in Liverpool, England. This title bout highlighted his judo-based grappling and striking improvements, earning him recognition in another influential UK promotion that emphasized British fighters. He made one successful defense of the belt, though specific details on the opponent and date are less documented in major records. Wallhead added the Clash of Warriors Championship on September 5, 2009, submitting Marius Buzinskas with a neck crank in the first round at COW 7: No Way Out in , . As Clash of Warriors was a respected mid-tier organization, this win underscored Wallhead's consistency against international competition and boosted his standing in the European welterweight landscape, where regional titles like this often preceded opportunities in major promotions. No defenses of this title are recorded, as Wallhead soon transitioned to higher-profile events. Late in his career, Wallhead achieved his most prestigious MMA title by winning the Interim on November 12, 2022, knocking out Mateusz Figlak at 1:39 of the first round at 146 in , . , as the premier MMA promotion, elevated this accomplishment to a career highlight, positioning Wallhead among Europe's elite welterweights after an 18-year professional tenure. He lost the title in his sole defense on April 29, 2023, via TKO (doctor's stoppage) against Rhys McKee at the end of the fourth round in a unification bout at 153 in , , marking the conclusion of his MMA championship pursuits.

Notable Fight Awards and Records

Throughout his professional MMA career spanning nearly two decades, Jim Wallhead compiled a record of 32 wins and 12 losses, establishing himself as one of the most enduring figures in the division. Of his victories, 13 were secured by and 10 by submission, showcasing his striking power while reflecting the influence of his black belt in on his ground game. Wallhead's most notable streak occurred in the late , where he rattled off 8 consecutive wins between April 2008 and October 2010, a run that included a mix of finishes and decisions across various European promotions and helped solidify his reputation as a top prospect. This period highlighted his versatility, with multiple s demonstrating his ability to end fights explosively. While Wallhead did not receive performance bonuses in major promotions like the UFC or Bellator, his judo expertise contributed to a strong grappling foundation, evidenced by his submission rate and defensive prowess in takedown-heavy bouts. His career milestones underscore a resilient fighter who balanced striking and submissions effectively over 44 professional bouts.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Professional Fight Statistics

Jim Wallhead compiled a professional MMA record of 32 wins and 12 losses across 44 bouts, achieving a win percentage of approximately 73% as of his retirement in 2023. Of his victories, 15 were by KO/TKO, 7 by submission, and 10 by decision; his losses consisted of 3 KO/TKO, 4 submissions, and 5 decisions. His overall finish rate in wins was approximately 69%.
DateOpponentResultMethodRound/TimeEventNotes
Apr 30, 2005Leslee OjugbanaWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)1 / 1:20CWFC - Cage Warriors 11: Ultimate Force
May 21, 2005Boris JonstompLossSubmission (Neck Crank)1 / 4:20CWFC - Cage Warriors 12: Strike Force
Jul 29, 2005Chris RiceLossTKO (Punches)1 / 3:32CWFC - Cage Warriors 14: Quest 2
Oct 01, 2005Steve Singh-SidhuWinTKO (Corner Stoppage)1 / 3:14CWFC - Cage Warriors 16: Strike Force 3
Dec 03, 2005Paul JenkinsWinDecision (Majority)5 / 5:00HOP 4 - Fight Night 4
Mar 25, 2006Henning SvendsenWinTKO (Punches)1 / 2:06CWFC - Cage Warriors 21: Strike Force 5
Apr 09, 2006John PhillipsWinTKO (Elbows)1 / 1:41HOP 5 - Fight Night 5
May 27, 2006Peter AngererLossSubmission (Arm-Triangle Choke)1 / 1:49CWFC - Cage Warriors 23: Strike Force 6
Jun 18, 2006Camara BounaWinDecision2 / 3:002H2H - Road to Japan
Jun 18, 2006Xander NelWinTKO (Punches)1 / 2:062H2H - Road to Japan
Sep 03, 2006Jason TanWinDecision (Split)3 / 5:00Cage Gladiators 2 - The Next Generation
Dec 09, 2006Dennis SiverLossSubmission (Armbar)2 / 3:31CWFC - Cage Warriors 26: Enter The Rough House
Apr 28, 2007Lewis BarrowWinTKO (Submission to Punches)2 / 1:40CWFC - Cage Warriors 27: Enter The Rough House 2
Jun 03, 2007Jordan JamesWinSubmission (Choke)1 / 4:09HOP 9 - Fight Night 9
Jul 21, 2007Marius LiaukeviciusWinTechnical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)1 / 2:52CWFC 28 - Cage Warriors 28: Enter The Rough House 3
Oct 14, 2007Steven LynchWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)1 / 1:53CWFC 30 - Cage Warriors 30: Enter The Rough House 4
Mar 29, 2008Charles BlanchardLossDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00CWFC USA - Battle Royale
Apr 19, 2008Tom HaddockWinTKO (Submission to Punches)2 / 3:49CWFC 33 - Cage Warriors 33: Enter the Rough House 6
Jul 12, 2008Fabricio NascimentoWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00CWFC 34 - Cage Warriors 34: Enter the Rough House 7
Sep 27, 2008Igor AraujoWinTKO (Punches)1 / 1:19M-1 Challenge 7 - UK
May 16, 2009Fabio Santana ToldoWinKO (Punches)1 / 3:46UF - Oblivion
Sep 05, 2009Marius BuzinskasWinSubmission (Neck Crank)1 / 1:08COW 7 - No Way Out
Nov 01, 2009Che MillsWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00KnuckleUp MMA 3 - Mills vs. Wallhead
May 22, 2010Shaun LomasWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)1 / 2:34CWFC 37 - Cage Warriors 37: Right to Fight
Oct 14, 2010Ryan ThomasWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 32
Mar 05, 2011Rick HawnLossDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 35
Sep 10, 2011Frank TriggWinDecision (Split)3 / 5:00BAMMA 7 - Wallhead vs. Trigg
Dec 10, 2011Joey VillasenorWinKO (Punches)1 / 0:48BAMMA 8 - Manuwa vs. Rea
Sep 28, 2012Lyman GoodLossDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 74
Mar 09, 2013Matt VeachWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)1 / 3:05BAMMA 12 - Wallhead vs. Veach
Sep 14, 2013Eddy EllisLossDecision (Split)3 / 5:00BAMMA 13 - Nunes vs. Jones
Dec 14, 2013Florent BetorangalWinKO (Slam)3 / 0:21BAMMA 14 - Daley vs. da Silva
May 03, 2014Danny RobertsLossKO (Punches)1 / 4:49CWFC 68 - Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 68
Nov 01, 2014Juan Manuel SuarezWinKO (Punches)1 / 1:49CWFC 73 - Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 73
Mar 26, 2015Rodrigo RibeiroWinKO (Punch)1 / 3:10ADW - Abu Dhabi Warriors 2
Oct 31, 2015Rafal MoksWinTKO (Punches)2 / 2:26KSW 32 - Road to Wembley
Apr 09, 2016Gennadiy KovalevWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00WFCA 17 - Grand Prix Akhmat
Sep 03, 2016Jessin AyariLossDecision (Split)3 / 5:00UFC Fight Night 93 - Arlovski vs. Barnett
Jun 03, 2017Luan ChagasLossSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)2 / 4:48UFC 212 - Aldo vs. Holloway
Feb 09, 2019Abner LloverasWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00Bellator Newcastle - Pitbull vs. Scope
May 04, 2019Giorgio PietriniWinDecision (Unanimous)3 / 5:00Bellator Birmingham - Primus vs. Wilde
Jul 22, 2022Daniel SkibinskiWinTKO (Punches)1 / 1:26CW 141 - Cage Warriors 141
Nov 12, 2022Mateusz FiglakWinKO (Punches)1 / 1:39CW 146 - Cage Warriors 146
Apr 29, 2023Rhys McKeeLossTKO (Corner Stoppage)4 / 5:00CW 153 - Cage Warriors 153: Dublin

Personal Life

Family and Post-Fighting Activities

Wallhead is married and a father to two children, including a son and a . His served as a primary motivator for retiring from in 2023 following his loss at 153, where he tearfully announced in the cage, “It’s time to get home to my wife and kids.” Residing in , , , Wallhead has prioritized balancing his ongoing involvement in combat sports with the demands of parenthood after stepping away from professional fighting. In his post-fighting life, Wallhead has expressed enthusiasm for and Universal theme parks through family trips to these destinations. He also contributes to the community through youth coaching at local clubs in , drawing on his background as a three-time British Under-21 judo champion.

Business Ventures and Coaching

Following his retirement from professional mixed martial arts in 2023, Jim Wallhead transitioned into full-time coaching roles, leveraging his extensive experience as a former champion and UFC veteran to mentor aspiring fighters. He serves as the for the and MMA programs at HW1 Fitness & Martial Arts in , , where he oversees striking drills, sessions, and fight preparation for athletes of all levels. Wallhead's coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision in and —in which he holds black belts—as well as in striking, while fostering mental resilience drawn from his 44-fight career. At HW1, he conducts classes in , , no-gi BJJ, and youth , contributing to the development of regional talent and maintaining the gym's as a hub for East Midlands MMA. In addition to his gym-based work, Wallhead expanded into promotional activities by founding the N1Hype MMA League in 2024. This organization focuses on providing competitive platforms for emerging mixed martial artists, particularly in , with an emphasis on high-level performances and talent scouting.

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  46. https://www.sherdog.com/events/HOP-5-Fight-Night-5-4147
  47. https://www.sherdog.com/events/HOP-9-Fight-Night-9-5307
  48. https://www.sherdog.com/events/2H2H-Road-to-Japan-3456
  49. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Cage-Gladiators-2-The-Next-Generation-4146
  50. https://hw1.uk/Coaches
  51. https://n1-hype.com/
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