Danny Kingad has spent years as a pillar of the flyweight division, but as he prepares for Friday’s return at ONE Fight Night 40, the veteran finds himself fighting for his spot among the elite.
The 30-year-old Filipino, fighting out of Lions Nation MMA based in La Trinidad, Benguet meets surging knockout artist Hu Yong in a high-stakes matchup that anchors the Prime Video card headlined by Jackie Buntan and Smilla Sundell slated Feb. 13 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand.
For Kingad, the bout is a vital opportunity to stop the bleeding.
After years of hovering near the world title, the former contender is currently navigating the first two-fight losing streak of his decorated career. He dropped a unanimous decision to Yuya Wakamatsu in January 2024 and was most recently submitted by former champion Adriano Moraes in November.
Returning from a layoff fueled by injury and family obligations, Kingad (15-6) is looking for his first victory since defeating Eko Roni Saputra in February 2023.
As Kingad returns, the time away only sharpening his hunger for victory.
“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,” Kingad told onefc.com.
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.
Hu, meanwhile, has fundamentally shifted the momentum of the flyweight landscape, reeling off four consecutive victories despite a rocky promotional debut.
His ascent has been punctuated by clinical finishes, most notably knockout wins over Ali Saldoev and Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan. With the divisional throne currently vacant, Hu’s trajectory suggests he is one spectacular performance away from a title shot.
ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Sundell II airs live this Friday on Prime Video, starting at 8 p.m. Roderick Osis