March 29, 2024

Former ONE flyweight world title contender Danny Kingad of Team Lakay said he is ready to fight any ranked fighter in his bid to get closer to another title shot.

As one of the most talented fighters on ONE Championship’s mixed martial arts roster, his well-rounded skill set has helped him rack up a record of 15 wins and three losses while securing the third spot in the ever-changing flyweight rankings.

READY FOR ANYONE — Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad claims he is ready to fight anyone in the list of contenders for the ONE flyweight world belt after his ranking in the division improved following his impressive victory against Indonesian world-class wrestler Eko Roni Saputra in Bangkok, Thailand recently. — ONE photo

Most recently, the 27-year-old native of Sadanga, Mountain Province proved he still belongs among the division’s elite despite coming off a 14-month layoff by dominating Indonesian bruiser Eko Roni Saputra over the course of three rounds to cruise to a clear-cut unanimous decision victory.

At this point, Kingad is within shouting distance of a ONE flyweight world title shot. 

The three potential opponents that would offer enthralling matchups for the beloved Team Lakay member as he looks to thrust himself into the championship picture are Hu Yong, Tatsumitsu Wada, and Gurdarshan Mangat.

Hu Yong has been a wanted man in Benguet since he authored a highlight-reel knockout at the expense of Geje Eustaquio, Kingad’s stablemate, back in December.

The impressive win over Eustaquio has certainly raised Hu’s stock, and it could lead him to a collision course with Kingad.

Wada is no stranger to Kingad as both men first crossed paths in January 2019, with the latter winning by unanimous decision to book his spot in the ONE flyweight world grand prix.

A rematch between Kingad and Wada makes the most sense this year, and it would be interesting to see which competitor dictates the action this time around.

Mangat was originally booked to duke it out with Kingad at ONE 164 this past December, but the Indian-Canadian sensation pulled out of the bout due to an injury.

There is a great chance that both men can finally tangle to determine who moves up in the pecking order of a stacked weight class. – Harley F. Palangchao