Bill Viola (martial artist)
William Viola II | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 5, 1947 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | President, CV Productions, Inc. President, Allegheny Shotokan Karate Inc. |
| Known for | Pioneering mixed martial arts in the United States, Showtime Film Tough Guys |
| Children | Bill Viola Jr |
William Viola II (born November 5, 1947) is an entrepreneur, martial arts instructor, and mixed martial arts pioneer credited by some as the co-creator of the sport of MMA. In 1979, he co-founded CV Productions, Inc., the first mixed martial arts company in America and the Tough Guy Contest. His life is the subject of the book Godfathers of MMA and the film Tough Guys.