Louis Taylor (born May 12, 1979) is an American former mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the welterweight division of the Professional Fighters League.
Born and raised in the heart of Chicago's South Side, Taylor learned to defend himself from a young age.
After being arrested at around age 16 for fighting a group of four gang members attacking him, in which he broke an assailant's collarbone, Taylor was introduced to a high school wrestling coach and former Olympic alternate Ken Binge, by his pastor.
[1] He later went on to wrestle for Lassen Community College in Susanville, California, where he was roommates with UFC light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson.
[2] At-then junior college powerhouse Lassen, Taylor was introduced to MMA and wrestled for two seasons before transferring to Eastern Illinois University.
Taylor fought Jason Louck on May 14, 2011, to determine the Middleweight Combat USA State Champion of Illinois.
Taylor won the fight by submission (strikes) and was then supposed to face the Middleweight Combat USA State Champion of Wisconsin, Herbert Goodman.
He won the fight via knockout just 33 seconds into the first round, winning the PFL Middleweight Championship and earning the $1 million cash prize.