After suffering consecutive setbacks, Filipino standout Danny Kingad looks to get back on track at ONE Fight Night 40 against China’s Hu Yong.
Danny "The King" Kingad is determined to demonstrate he still belongs among the elite of the ONE Flyweight MMA division.
The Filipino stalwart makes his return on Saturday, February 14, taking on "Wolf Warrior" Hu Yong in a crucial flyweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Following consecutive defeats to top-tier opposition, the 30-year-old Lions Nation MMA product is focused on reestablishing himself as a legitimate contender.
Kingad's last appearance ended in disappointment during a World Title eliminator rematch against Adriano "Mikinho" Moraes at ONE 169, succumbing to a guillotine choke in round two after a promising opening frame. This time, he's prepared to answer his doubters.
"I'm extremely fired up to be back inside the Circle this February 14. This fight means a lot to me because it's an important step toward my goal. I've been training with intensity, focus, and purpose, and I'm ready to show a sharper, stronger, and more dangerous version of Danny Kingad," he said.
The former ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix finalist recognizes what's at stake in this encounter.
In a flyweight division brimming with talent, Kingad understands that a statement-making performance against the explosive Chinese finisher is vital to reviving his title ambitions.
"Fans will see a different fire in me this time. I'm fighting with urgency and hunger because this bout is crucial in putting me back in position for a title shot. Every athlete dreams of fighting for the belt, and this fight is part of that journey. That goal pushes me through every hard round and every sacrifice in training," he said.
Hu enters this matchup riding his own back-to-back defeats, suffering narrow decision losses to Reece "Lightning" McLaren and Sanzhar "Tornado" Zakirov at ONE Fight Night 36 in October.
The 29-year-old Fighting Bros Club athlete still poses significant danger, having spectacularly knocked out former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio in the opening round at ONE 164.
"Hu Yong is a tough and dangerous opponent, and I respect what he brings to the table. At the same time, I trust my preparation, my team, and the work I've been putting in. We're studying his style carefully and building a game plan that allows me to control the fight, show my improvements, and earn the win," Kingad said.
Looking ahead to this pivotal showdown, the Lions Nation MMA representative thanked his faithful supporters while vowing to showcase a performance befitting championship contention.
"Thank you to everyone who continues to support and believe in me. Your support gives me strength. On February 14, expect a focused, hungry, and determined Danny Kingad inside the Circle. I'm ready to give everything I have to take this next step toward the belt," he said.