Danny Kingad Aims for Flyweight Redemption
Danny “The King” Kingad, who once neared flyweight championship glory, is set to reignite his title aspirations at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video. The Filipino veteran will compete live from Bangkok’s renowned Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, February 13.
In this pivotal three-round matchup, Kingad will face off against “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong, making it crucial for both contenders eager to bounce back from setbacks.
Kingad’s Journey Since Joining ONE
Since his debut in ONE in 2016, Kingad has secured 11 wins against major names in the division, including a significant victory over the current ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in 2018. However, their rematch at ONE 165 ended in disappointment for Kingad, as he lost by unanimous decision. Following that, he faced a submission defeat at the hands of former champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes at ONE 169, marking the first time he endured back-to-back losses.
The Road to Recovery
Kingad’s opportunity for redemption was delayed due to injuries and the birth of his second child, keeping him on the sidelines throughout 2025. Now back, he feels reinvigorated and more determined than ever.
“Believe it or not, I really missed getting punched in the face. I miss the adrenaline. I’m feeling nothing but excitement. Winning is the most important thing for me right now,” Kingad expressed to onefc.com.
The Challenge Ahead
Overcoming Hu won’t be straightforward, as he boasts knockout victories over notable fighters like Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Eko Roni Saputra. Nonetheless, Kingad is ready to counter Hu’s striking prowess.
“I know how capable he is on his feet, but I plan to test his ground game. Controlling him on the ground has led to his previous decision losses, and I believe I can impose my strategy,” he shared.
An Unfinished Chapter
This encounter also carries the weight of an unfinished rivalry, as Kingad had to withdraw from their initially scheduled meeting at ONE Fight Night 15 due to a foot injury. Now, he’s excited to finally have the chance to showcase his improvements.
“I’m relieved the match is happening. I’ll give it my all,” Kingad stated.
Preparing for Battle
Kingad, known for never delivering dull performances, is determined to maintain an active pace throughout the fight. Though he aspires for a decisive finish, he acknowledges it may go the whole three rounds. The stakes are clearly high for both fighters as they seek to reclaim momentum in their careers.
