Fourth-ranked flyweight contender Danny “The King” Kingad believes that the perfect challenger awaits the winner of the rematch between ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
The two flyweight greats will go at it in the main event of ONE Fight Night 1 on August 27 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and Kingad expects an old foe to challenge the winner of this gigantic rematch.
“Kairat is waiting for his shot now. I believe whoever wins in the rematch between Moraes and DJ will face Kairat. Kairat has been on a roll as of late,” Kingad said.
Looking at the Kazakh’s record, it’s hard to disagree with Kingad.
Akhmetov has won his last five bouts in dominant fashion, with his last loss coming from Kingad’s teammate in Geje Eustaquio back in January 2018.
And Akhmetov’s bout with Kingad was certainly the most impressive, as he ran through “The King” for three straight rounds, derailing the Filipino’s own hopes of rematching either Moraes or Johnson.
Despite expecting Akhmetov to challenge for the ONE Flyweight World Title next, the Filipino is hopeful that he’ll get another shot at the wrestling powerhouse.
“Of course I want to face Kairat again. I won’t hesitate to say yes if they offer me a fight with him again,” Kingad said.
“In fight, he really focused on his wrestling, he really got me there. It’s something that I truly have to work on. I don’t think there’s a problem when it comes to striking, but will really grind you out using wrestling.”
While the Akhmetov rematch might not happen soon enough, a rematch could still be in the works for the Filipino, as #5-ranked flyweight Reece McLaren called him out not too long ago.
The dynamic flyweight pair went toe-to-toe in 2019, where Kingad walked away with a razor-close split decision win in a bout that could have easily gone either way.
“I’m just waiting for the call,” Kingad said. “I’m all for it. If they give Reece to me, then I’ll definitely work hard for it.”
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