Sergeant sets Georgia MMA record for quickest knockout

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Six months of training for a seven-second fight; from the moment Clint Williams entered the ring June 19 for his first mixed martial arts fight, his opponent didn't stand a chance.

The 185-pound staff sergeant known as "Flatline" knocked out Steve Davis with a swift left roundhouse kick to the head, a feat that earned the middleweight fighter Georgia's record for quickest knockout.

"After I heard the call, I looked over at the referee, thinking it was impossible," said Jason McCranie, Sergeant Williams' coach. "I've never seen that kind of knockout before, especially from someone who has been involved with MMA for less than a year.

"What's even more amazing is that the technique hadn't been explained too much during our training," he added. "The entire team trained extremely hard and Clint was prepared, but we hadn't planned that kick as part of our winning strategy."

Another thing that wasn't part of the strategy was Clint's unexpected start into the world of MMA.

"I first got into this type of fighting when I met Jason, who at the time was also involved as a youth pastor," said Sergeant Williams, a 23rd Maintenance Operations Squadron production manager. "I had always been athletic and it turned out I was good at MMA so I stay involved with it."

Soon after being introduced to MMA, a temporary duty assignment to Salt Lake City gave the sergeant an opportunity to train with a Brazilian fight team.

"It was unbelievable that I got such a good opportunity to practice with a group of professionals who take their dedication to such a high level," said Sergeant Williams. "This sport is something that takes an enormous amount of control and discipline to be successful in."

These values are something that he is now passing on to the group of young men he trains.

"The more people I can train and mentor through this, the bigger impact I can have," Sergeant Williams stated. "The discipline you get from MMA can be applied to everyday life.

"Some of the guys I am training and mentoring are high school wrestlers who take techniques back and apply it when they compete there," he added. "It's beneficial for them to have a positive role model."

His coach agreed, saying that Sergeant Williams has been a positive influence on those around him, making the young men feels like they are a part of something.

"Week in and week out, he makes the people who train with him feel like family," said Mr. McCranie. "Training and coaching comes naturally for Clint because he loves it and because of his personality. He's an easygoing guy that people naturally respond to."

Because of his attitude and success, Sergeant Williams sparked the interest of 10 to 15 more guys who want to train with him.

"I'm open to helping others train," he said. "Training for a fight can take anywhere from six months to a year, although some people choose to compete more often. It's tough and it's exciting, but it takes a lot to mentally prepare yourself to get ready to get in the ring and execute your game plan."

Although coaching may come naturally for him, Sergeant Williams plans to continue pursuing fighting, hoping to turn professional after two more fights. Official rules state that each competitor must complete at least one amateur fight before entering into a professional fight.

"Clint shows a lot of heart, vision and determination in his fighting," said Mr. McCranie. "It's taken a lot of hard work from him and his trainers to get here, but he's got the right attitude and talent to accomplish anything and go as far as he wants in MMA."