Danial Williams Decimates Namiki Kawahara With Razor-Sharp Striking
“Mini T” Danial Williams has delivered some unforgettable displays on the global stage, and his performance against Namiki Kawahara at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic was yet another one.
The Perth resident utilized his striking arsenal to earn a unanimous decision victory over his Japanese opponent in their strawweight MMA battle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 22 April.
In the opening round, Williams – the #5-ranked strawweight Muay Thai contender – attacked Kawahara with stinging leg kicks and eventually swept the 32-year-old off his feet with his trademark weapon.
The Aussie continuously slowed the Team Alpha Male fighter’s movements until he was a static target, and then he unloaded left hooks and straight rights.
“Mini T’s” footwork made it hard for Kawahara to connect, so the Japanese athlete had to rely on his grappling prowess. The Osaka resident hit a double-leg takedown halfway into the stanza and spent the remainder of the frame threatening with a rear-naked choke, but Williams defended it well.
Williams’ striking was head and shoulders above his rival, and he continued where he had left off in the second round. Kawahara was determined to stay in the fight, though, and at one point, he countered with a takedown that could have bothered his foe.
The Scrappy MMA and Kao Sok Muay Thai representative shook it off with ease, however, and when the action resumed on the feet, he feinted with a jab and unleashed a cracking right hand that floored the Osaka resident.
Kawahara then started mixing things up, opting to trade leather with his rival. But Williams ensured his output was double or triple that of the Japanese star.
“Mini T” kept up his momentum in the final five minutes, making sure the judges’ decision would be an easier one. In the end, all three of them gave Williams the nod.
With the victory, the 28-year-old Aussie pushed his MMA record to 5-1 and earned his second consecutive win on the global stage.
Read more: ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic – Results And Highlights For Every Fight
