Actor Taylor Wily Made History in Mixed Martial Arts

From Fighting in the UFC to Acting in TV Series

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Taylor Wily, formerly known as Teila Tuli, has the notable distinction of competing in the inaugural bout held in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since then, he has transitioned from the world of mixed martial arts to a successful career in television, including his role as Kamekona Tupuola in the popular series Hawaii Five-0.

Early Life and Martial Arts Career

Wily was born Teila Tuli in Laie, Hawaii, on June 14, 1968. He began his mixed martial arts journey as a wrestler, and in 1993, he became a participant in the first UFC bout against Gary Goodridge. Despite losing that match, Wily went on to have a successful career in MMA, earning a record of 2-2.

Transition to Acting

In the late 1990s, Wily decided to pursue a career in acting. He made his debut in the television series "JAG" and later appeared in films such as "The Rundown" and "Tropic Thunder." His breakthrough role came as Kamekona in Hawaii Five-0, which ran for 10 seasons from 2010 to 2020.

Continued Success

Since the conclusion of Hawaii Five-0, Wily has continued to act in television and film. He has appeared in notable projects such as "Magnum PI" and "Jupiter's Legacy." He remains an active member of the entertainment industry, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in mixed martial arts and a talented actor.