Adriano Moraes-Danny Kingad rematch joins star-studded ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8
A pivotal flyweight MMA matchup between former kingpin Adriano Moraes and third-ranked Danny Kingad is set to join the talent-jammed ONE 169: Atlanta card on Nov. 8. Both men are in search of a bounce-back victory inside the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, having fallen short in their last outings.
Plus, with an opportunity for 'The King' to avenge his defeat to Moraes, this three-round fixture should be exciting for as long as it lasts.
Top-ranked Adriano Moraes is one of the best flyweights of this generation. Throughout his decade-long campaign on the global stage, 'Mikinho' has lifted and defended the ONE flyweight MMA world championship on numerous occasions.
In three out of his last four outings, the American Top Team and Constrictor Team athlete shared the Circle with MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson.
The 36-year-old wrote his name in the history books by becoming the first fighter to finish 'Mighty Mouse' via a devastating knee – easily the biggest triumph of his 25-fight resume.
However, Johnson gained poetic justice when they ran it back more than a year later at ONE on Prime Video 1 in Aug. 2022, finishing Adriano Moraes with a flying knee to claim 26 pounds of gold. The AMC Pankration and Evolve MMA talent would go on to defeat the Brazilian veteran once more, thus taking a lead in their head-to-head score at 2-1.
The Brasilia native remains game as ever to have another run at ONE gold, and perhaps a triumph over Kingad could set him up for a fourth fight with Johnson.
Danny Kingad will be out to ruin Adriano Moraes' dream at ONE 169: Atlanta
Standing in Moraes' path to glory inside the State Farm Arena is tough-as-nails Danny Kingad, fired up to pull one back against Adriano Moraes after succumbing to a rear-naked choke loss in Nov. 2017.
Since then, the 28-year-old Filipino warrior has evolved from a striking specialist to one of the most well-rounded athletes in the division, enjoying eight wins in 11 fights to boost his overall resume to 15-4.
Equipped with a world-class stand-up game and grappling acumen to take on the very best on the roster, Kingad will fancy his chances when the two run it back in his bid to trim the gap to the ONE world title.
Still, he'll have it all to do versus Adriano Moraes (20-5), who shares a similar ambition to taste success on the global stage again.
Follow this link to purchase tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta, which emanates live in American primetime from the State Farm Arena on Friday, Nov. 8.