Danny Kingad once stood on the cusp of flyweight gold, his 2018 victory over current ONE Flyweight World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu positioning him among the division's elite contenders. Eleven promotional victories accumulated across nearly a decade, victories over former champions and dangerous contenders proving his credentials against championship-level competition repeatedly.
But their rematch at ONE 165 didn't unfold as planned, Wakamatsu earning revenge via unanimous decision. Then former champion Adriano Moraes submitted him at ONE 169, marking the first time the 30-year-old Filipino veteran suffered consecutive defeats across his entire professional career. Those back-to-back setbacks raised uncomfortable questions about whether his championship window was closing permanently.
Now the Lions Nation MMA representative returns after missing all of 2025 due to injuries and family obligations, his second child's arrival keeping him sidelined while the division continued evolving without him. That extended absence only sharpened his hunger for redemption, the time away reinforcing exactly how much he missed the competition that defines him.
Kingad faces Chinese knockout artist Hu Yong in a flyweight contest at ONE Fight Night 40 on February 13 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, airing live in U.S. primetime on Amazon Prime Video. Both fighters arrive desperate to reverse recent form, their shared desperation creating explosive potential for February's showdown.
The layoff hasn't dulled Kingad's enthusiasm. If anything, the extended time away from competition has reminded him exactly why he fights, reigniting the passion that first drove him toward championship aspirations nearly a decade ago.
"Believe it or not, I really missed getting punched in the face," Kingad admitted. "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."
That urgency matters because another loss doesn't just extend a bad streak — it potentially defines the remainder of his promotional tenure. Three defeats in his last four appearances would suggest steep decline rather than temporary adversity, raising questions about whether he remains viable among the division's threats or if his championship window has permanently closed.
Hu presents exactly the kind of dangerous opponent who can validate those fears violently. The Chinese striker owns spectacular knockout victories over former divisional king Geje Eustaquio and Eko Roni Saputra, his finishing power making him genuinely feared in exchanges. When Hu lands clean, fights end abruptly.
But Kingad sees exploitable patterns beneath the knockout credentials. The Filipino veteran has studied Hu's decision losses carefully, identifying how opponents neutralized his striking through sustained top control and grinding pressure. That blueprint provides clear direction for February's approach.
"He is a proven finisher," Kingad acknowledged. "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."
The matchup carries additional context beyond immediate stakes. These fighters were originally scheduled to meet at ONE Fight Night 15 in 2023, but a foot injury forced Kingad to withdraw. He always knew they'd eventually collide, the delayed confrontation building anticipation across nearly three years.
"I'm relieved and excited that the match is finally happening," Kingad said. "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's fighting style favors extended battles where his relentless motor and bottomless gas tank wear opponents down progressively. His wushu background provides striking precision and fluidity, while his evolving ground game creates options to change levels whenever opportunities present. When rounds tick by and fatigue becomes factor, the Filipino typically gets stronger while opponents wilt.
But championship contention demands more than grinding decision victories. Kingad understands he needs a statement finish to prove he remains elite, though he's pragmatic about whether spectacular endings materialize against Hu's durability and defensive awareness.
"I want a finish, of course, but realistically, I see this one going the full three rounds," Kingad explained. "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."
