FREE FULL FIGHT: Filipino star Danny Kingad's blistering pace leaves Japan's Senzo Ikeda in the dust
ONE flyweight MMA star Danny Kingad secured a spot in the semifinals of the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix by having a masterful showing against Japanese standout Senzo Ikeda at ONE: A New Era in March 2019.
Riding a four-fight winning streak entering the quarterfinal matchup, Kingad enacted a strategy focused on the ground game to prevent Ikeda from unleashing his boxing skills. Kingad survived the Paraestra Matsudo product's last-second rear-naked choke attempt to emerge with the unanimous decision win.
Rewatch their three-round showdown, which ONE shared on YouTube:
Kingad reached the tournament final against MMA icon Demetrious Johnson in October 2019 but ultimately lost via unanimous decision. 'Mighty Mouse' went on to win the 135-pound MMA crown from Adriano Moraes in August 2022 via knockout.
However, Johnson vacated the throne when he announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 inside the Ball Arena.
Kingad hopes to convince ONE's matchmakers to have him fight for the vacant 135-pound MMA crown next if he defeats former ONE flyweight MMA king Moraes at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Danny Kingad promises 'three rounds of war' in Adriano Moraes rematch
Danny Kingad could not contain his excitement for his long-awaited rematch with Adriano Moraes at ONE 169 after 'Mikinho' submitted him in their ONE flyweight MMA world championship encounter in November 2017.
The Lions Nation MMA star told Sportskeeda MMA:
"Fans should expect an explosive fight. If the knockout doesn't come, you will see three rounds of war from bell to bell. But I'll do my best to get a knockout."
ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.