Martin Nguyen Backing Fellow Australian Danial Williams In World Title Shot Against Jonathan Di Bella
Martin Nguyen was one of the Australian pioneers in ONE Championship, and these days, “The Situ-Asian” is surrounded by his compatriots in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
One fellow Australian who’s quickly made a name for himself is “Mini T” Danial Williams – a striking specialist who will challenge Jonathan Di Bella for the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 15: Tawanchai vs. Superbon on Prime Video.
Williams has endeared himself to fans by taking on anyone at any time and under any rule set – whether Muay Thai, kickboxing, or MMA – and he’ll get his next chance to earn gold in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 6.
Nguyen knows his countryman is facing a very difficult test in the undefeated Di Bella, but he’ll be rooting for him when the action goes down in Bangkok, Thailand.
He said of Williams:
“It’s a very tough fight. Jonathan’s been out [since winning the belt last year], but he is a world-class striker. I would have liked ‘Mini T’ [ to get a win] before facing him.
“But man, it’s just an opportunity of a lifetime that you can’t say no to. So he took it with both hands and I really, really hope he’s preparing well for this one.”
Williams’ last outing was a late-notice step up in weight to challenge Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 8 in March.
“Mini T’s” courage saw him shoot his shot at greatness, but he got stopped in the third round by Superlek.
As a reward for that bravery, he’s now been given the chance to compete for the belt in his own division, and Nguyen hopes the Thai-Australian slugger will fare better against someone who’s closer to his size.
He said:
“‘Mini T’ is a world-class striker. The only thing was the weight class that really made a difference. He was small compared to Superlek, and you could actually physically see it too.”
Motivated by his second chance at gold, Williams has dedicated himself to a full camp in order to make the most of his opportunity against Di Bella.
With that in mind, Nguyen is trying to will his compatriot to victory in Bangkok.
He added:
“I’m going for ‘Mini T’ because we’re Australian and we always support our own. I really hope he gives the fight of his life and pulls it off because he needs this win.”
Martin Nguyen Expects Big Things From Rising Muay Thai Star Tyson Harrison
Muay Thai phenom Tyson Harrison is another Australian upstart who’s captured the hearts of the global fan base.
“John Wayne Noi” exploded onto the scene at ONE Friday Fights 1 in January, coming up narrowly short on the wrong side of a decision after an epic war with Seksan Or Kwanmuang.
Since then, the 22-year-old has added a pair of knockout wins to his resume, and another thrilling three-round defeat to Pongsiri PK Saenchai.
Every bout has been nonstop action, and Martin Nguyen can see why fans are buzzing about the latest Aussie Muay Thai export.
“The Situ-Asian” said:
“He’s very, very tough. Other than Seksan, Tyson could probably be the face of ONE Friday Fights. Man, he’s been putting on war after war and it’s good to see.
“Obviously, other Aussies are getting in there and following the path of [Australian legend] John Wayne Parr, living over in Thailand, training, eating, sleeping, breathing Muay Thai, and representing Australia as well. He’s really, really fun to watch.”
Nguyen feels the sky is the limit for Harrison amid his breakout year competing at ONE Friday Fights.
“John Wayne Noi” has shown he can hang with elite Muay Thai World Champions, and if he stays on this trajectory, “The Situ-Asian” believes he can go all the way to the top.
He added:
“I think that with just a few more wins, [Harrison will] win that [six-figure] contract and he’ll start making his way towards making great money, fighting great fights as usual, and making the right steps towards the World Title.”
