‘Winning Is The Most Important Thing’ – Danny Kingad Eager To Get Career Back On Track Against Hu Yong At ONE Fight Night 40
Danny “The King” Kingad was once on the cusp of flyweight gold. Now, at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video, the Filipino veteran looks to reignite his World Title pursuit on Friday, February 13, live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
There, Kingad faces “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong in a crucial three-round battle between two contenders desperate to rebound.
Since joining ONE in 2016, Kingad has amassed 11 victories over some of the division’s biggest names, including a 2018 win over now-reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu.
But their rematch at ONE 165 didn’t go his way, with the Japanese superstar earning revenge via unanimous decision. Kingad then suffered a submission loss to former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes at ONE 169, marking back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career.
The 30-year-old’s bid for redemption was put on hold as injuries and the arrival of his second child kept him sidelined throughout 2025. Now Kingad returns, the time away only sharpening his hunger for victory.
The Lions Nation MMA representative told onefc.com:
“Believe it or not, I really missed getting punched in the face. I miss the adrenaline, getting a black eye in a wild fight. I just want that euphoric feeling again. It’s those little things.
“I’m feeling nothing but excitement. My last two fights didn’t go according to plan, so I’m hungry to redeem myself. I am pushing myself to the limits in training because I badly want to win this fight. Winning is the most important thing for me right now.”
Snapping his skid won’t be easy. Hu owns ferocious knockout victories over former divisional king Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Eko Roni Saputra, with fight-ending power that makes him a constant threat.
Kingad respects the danger but has a clear path to neutralize the trigger-happy striker.
The Baguio City native shared:
“He is a proven finisher. He has taken out a lot of big names over the years. Then again, that’s the beauty of MMA. We’re not limited to one discipline. I know how good he is with his stand-up, so why not test his ground game?
“His decision losses were mostly due to his opponents controlling him with top pressure on the ground. I think I can also beat him in that area and impose my will. My conditioning is also an advantage.”
This matchup also carries unfinished business. The pair were originally scheduled to meet at ONE Fight Night 15 in 2023, but a foot injury forced Kingad to withdraw.
“The King” always knew they’d meet again. At this pivotal moment in his career, the timing couldn’t be better.
The proud Igorot warrior offered:
“I’m relieved and excited that the match is finally happening. I got injured the last time, so this is a chance for me to display all the improvements I’ve made. I’ll give it my all.”
Kingad Prepared For War Of Attrition Against Hu
Danny Kingad has never been in a boring fight. His relentless motor and bottomless gas tank allow him to grind opponents down, getting stronger as rounds tick by.
His wushu background bolsters his striking precision and fluidity, while his evolving ground game gives him options to change levels at will.
While the 30-year-old understands he needs a statement finish to prove he’s still elite, he refused to make bold proclamations against a fighter of Hu Yong’s caliber. He’s simply prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it goes the distance.
“The King” explained:
“I want a finish, of course, but realistically, I see this one going the full three rounds. We’re both tough to finish, so it’s a matter of who imposes his game plan.
“I’m not afraid to strike with him, but if there are openings, I will go after those takedowns. It’s just a bonus for me if I get to submit him or finish him via ground-and-pound.”
Kingad understands the magnitude of this moment. The margin for error is razor-thin.
Now a father of two, he carries extra motivation to perform and provide. A victory on February 13 also opens the opportunity for a US$50,000 performance bonus in his comeback fight.
With both fighters hungry to bounce back from recent losses, all the ingredients point to a memorable showdown.
Kingad concluded:
“I’m always motivated. Especially now, the stakes are higher. I just really want to win. It’s been a while. So I won’t force it, I believe that bonus will come at the right time.
“Expect that this will be an explosive fight. We’re both coming off losses, and we’re both hungry. I’m very excited to do what I do best and get my career back on track.”
