ONE 169 preview and predictions: Adriano Moraes vs. Danny Kingad
Adriano Moraes and Danny Kingad will look to move closer to the throne that Demetrious Johnson vacated.
It's open season in the flyweight MMA division following 'Mighty Mouse's' retirement at ONE 168: Denver this past September.
Moraes, a multi-time owner of the flyweight MMA world title, wants to kickstart his campaign in reclaiming his lost belt at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
'The King', however, believes it's time for a changing of the guard and avenging a previous defeat to 'Mikinho' in the process.
As always, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship panel shared their two cents on this pivotal three-round showdown in the 135-pound ranks.
ONE 169 will air live in US primetime free of charge for existing Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
James De Rozario
Danny Kingad's fire to pull one back against Adriano Moraes may burn brighter than ever, but I still see the Brazilian veteran getting the job done inside the distance.
It won't be anything like the night he put the Lions Nation MMA away in round one, though.
'Mikinho' will tango with Kingad on the feet before relying on his ground game acumen to test and see how much improvement Kingad has made in that department.
Kingad should be able to wriggle away from the first couple of submission attempts.
But I expect Moraes' chain of submissions to eventually overpower whatever fight 'The King' puts up midway in the third canto.
Prediction: Adriano Moraes by submission in the third round
Mike Murillo
Adriano Moraes dominated and made short work of Danny Kingad in their first encounter seven years ago. I do not see that happening in their scheduled rematch at ONE 169. In fact, I see ‘The King’ exacting payback on ‘Mikinho’ and winning by decision.
The two met in 2017 with the Brazilian finishing the Filipino fighter by submission in the opening round. Kingad, I believe, has grown as a fighter since then and has a better grasp now of the game of Moraes, which he will showcase in their re-engagement.
Moraes will remain a handful for Kingad come fight night for sure, especially on the ground, but I expect the latter to handle it firmer this time around while making his own telling assault on his opponent.
A possible shot at the currently vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title is also at stake, providing added motivation for the Lions Nation MMA standout at this key juncture in his career.
Prediction: Danny Kingad via decision
Vince Richards
While this may be a sequel, the second match between Adriano Moraes and Danny Kingad will feature a far different sequence than their first one.
Both fighters are hellbent on getting back on track after their losses, and this matchup will all boil down on who can secure his ground game first.
Moraes is one of the most lethal submission experts on the planet, while Kingad masks his suffocating wrestling with his natural striking.
I believe, however, that this match will go to Moraes once again.
The ground has been Moraes’ domain for his entire career, and Kingad would be in deep trouble once the former ONE flyweight MMA world champion gets a dominant position.
Kingad can rely on his striking to overwhelm Moraes, but the Brazilian star is far too cunning to fall into such traps.
Prediction: Adriano Moraes via submission