Second-ranked flyweight MMA contender Danny “The King” Kingad knows that he can’t leave his next fight in the hands of the judges when he marks his return to the ONE Championship Circle.
Kingad takes on No. 4-ranked Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in a rematch between two top flyweights at ONE 165 inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on January 28.
Kingad eyes stoppage
Expecting anything but a warm reception from Wakamatsu’s compatriots, Kingad plans to stop the Japanese heavy hitter early, noting how the reaction of the crowd to their homecoming hero could play a factor in the fight.
“I really have to execute my game plan in that fight – which is to finish him. I want to get that finish, make sure it ends within the three rounds. And if it reaches the decision, then that’s on me. I don’t want to leave it to the hands of the judges,” Kingad said.
“There are a lot of factors in this fight. The cheers of the crowd could affect how the judges see the fight, so I’m not taking chances. The game plan is to finish him.”
In their first fight, Kingad almost got finished after being caught by one of Wakamatsu’s solid hooks. However, the Filipino survived the onslaught en route to a tough decision win.
Kingad wary of Wakamatsu's power
Now, “The King” is more wary than ever.
“I truly felt his power. It’s something that I’m really looking out for in the rematch. You don’t want to get caught with a clean one, especially with that type of power,” Kingad said.
That said, it’s not going to deter him from trying to stop Wakamatsu in whichever way possible.
“I think I can knock him out. He’s a knockout artist for sure, but I believe I can finish him. All I need is that one clean shot. There’s no tough chin for a well-placed hit on the jaw,” he said.
“If I can’t knock him out, I believe I can also finish him on the mat. I’ll go all out for the finish.
“My prediction? Second round,” he added. “I’ll finish him in the second round. I really don’t want this fight to last.”
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