Number two ranked flyweight Danny “The King” Kingad believes that he is ready for another shot at reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, should he hurdle No. 4-ranked Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov in their long-awaited clash with major implications.
The pair will tangle in the main event of the previously taped ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II, which airs this December 17 from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Yeah (I feel like this is my breakthrough match), in a sense that this is a fight that should have happened a long time ago,” Kingad said.
“We’ve been preparing for this match since Akhmetov became a world champion. I knew that we’re bound to face each other and it’s finally here.”
For the Team Lakay star, a victory over Akhmetov will be enough proof that he deserves another crack at Moraes, who handed him his first defeat back in 2017.
If the Baguio City-based fighter comes out with a win against the Almaty-based fighter, his 8-1 record may suffice for an opportunity against the Brazilian champion.
For Kingad, that’s exactly the goal.
“Yes, of course. I’ve been waiting for another world title shot for a long time. But if I don’t get it, I’ll be ready for whoever they’ll put in front of me,” he said.
“I’m willing to fight whoever, I want to gain experience and learn each match. In case I beat Akhmetov, I hope they finally give me Adriano. But whoever it is, I’ll be excited for it.”
If that happens, the 25-year-old wushu specialist believes he’s ready to take Moraes' place atop the division.
“I have more weapons in my arsenal now. I have learned so much since I’ve lost to Moraes, and I’ve been improving my weaknesses from that bout every day,” he said.
“My teammates have also pushed me to develop new skills and showcase new stuff that I didn’t have in my last fight.”
Read More From ONE Championship:
Eersel Defends Gold Again Despite Tough Challenge From Murtazaev
Stamp Fairtex Submits Ritu Phogat, Wins Atomweight World Grand Prix
Dagi Arslanaliev Relives Glory With Third-Round TKO of Nastyukhin