Danny Kingad put up a valiant performance but ultimately fell to Adriano Moraes’ exceptional submission game in their flyweight MMA rematch at ONE 169 on Saturday.
Similar to their first matchup in November 2017, Moraes quickly went for a takedown, aiming to control his Filipino opponent on the mat.
But this time, in front of a packed crowd at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Kingad was prepared.
The Lions Nation MMA representative refused to be overpowered, wrestling his way back to his feet.
Kingad unexpectedly held his own in the grappling exchanges, and when he gained top position, he unleashed powerful hammerfists on Moraes.
(C) ONEFC.com
Momentum shifted near the end of the first round when Moraes pushed for another takedown and attempted an arm-triangle choke. Kingad escaped and countered with a heel hook attempt before the bell.
Moraes opted to trade strikes with Kingad on the feet in the second frame, but “The King” seized the opportunity to unleash hard-hitting boxing combinations.
After a brief pause due to an accidental groin strike, “Mikinho” found another opening to take Kingad down.
(C) ONEFC.com
Kingad defended well, attempting a Kimura from his guard. As he worked his way back to standing, he tried to press Moraes against the ropes, inadvertently leaving himself vulnerable to a guillotine choke.
Moraes capitalized, tightening the hold and forcing Kingad to tap at the 4:14 mark of the aforementioned period.
With this win, Moraes improved his professional record to 21-5, positioning himself as a leading contender for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.
Meanwhile, Kingad suffered his second consecutive defeat, bringing his win-loss slate to 15-5.
