In a battle of the wily veteran against the young buck, it was the more experienced fighter who came out on top. Brazilian Adriano Moraes submitted Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad with 16 seconds remaining in the opening round to retain the ONE Flyweight World Championship, Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“I train hard, I train all my life. This my house, this is my belt, this is my class,” declared Moraes.
The win lifted Mikinho’s slate to 17-2, while handing Kingad his first-ever loss in eight fights.
“Thank you for this amazing night. It’s my first time here in Manila. You have a big future Danny but this is my time,” the champion added.
Wary of Moraes’ ground skills, the 22-year-old Kingad tried to keep distance from Moraes to start off the bout with leg kicks. However, midway through the bout, the 29-year-old Brazilian started catching his kicks.
With 2:15 left in the opening round, Moraes caught a right leg kick by Kingad and followed it up with a straight to knock down the Team Lakay standout.
The Brazilian quickly followed the Baguio native on his way down, eventually gaining side control with 1:08 remaining. Moraes eventually gained the back, locking Kingad’s body with a grapevine before sinking a tight rear naked choke for the tap out with 16 seconds to spare.
This is Moraes’ fourth straight win.
ONE Championship: Legends of the World Results
November 10, 2017 – SM Mall of Asia Arena Pasay City
ONE Flyweight World Championship: Adriano Moraes def. Danny Kingad via submission (rear naked choke) in Round 1, 4:44