IT seems that every time third-ranked flyweight MMA contender Danny “The King” Kingad gets close to competing for or winning a ONE World Title, he always falls short.
He’s not sitting by idly, however.
Instead, he promises to end the curse when he takes on top-ranked flyweight contender
Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes at ONE 169: Atlanta in a rematch on November 9 inside State Farm Arena in Georgia, USA.
“I noticed that as well, and I’ve been talking to my team about it. Each time I come close to the top, I end up losing,” Kingad said.
Kingad lost his lone ONE World Title bout to Moraes seven years ago as a young rising star before seeing the longest win streak of his career snapped by Demetrious Johnson in the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship Final.
A listless performance against fellow contender Yuya Wakamatsu after such a dominant outing against Eko Roni Saputra further pulled him back from getting to the top of the mountain.
Still, Kingad is far from giving up. He trusts his skills and he’s doing everything to make sure he can get a breakthrough come November.
“There’s no frustration, but I’m being more diligent now in reviewing how my fellow contenders are fighting and studying their tapes more,” he said.
“Instead of feeling frustrated, it motivates me knowing that I have to get through the hump to get to the World Title. I really want to get that World Title.”
Getting another chance against Moraes, he’s keeping his eyes on the prize.
“I think this fight is the way to get that World Title shot after seven long years,” he said. “I’m motivated. The World Title is there for the taking and I’m eyeing it.”
