Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson took his talents to Asia in his quest for greatness, but standing in his way is an unassuming, soft-spoken 23-year-old kid from the city of Baguio.
Johnson is out to test the mettle of Team Lakay’s Danny “The King” Kingad in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final at ONE: Century Part I on October 13 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
The 33-year-old American has faced and beaten the best of the division in the West — and he has 12 World Titles to show for it.
He believes it is only fitting to face “The King” of the East and add yet another gold strap to his trophy cabinet.
“I believe this bout is very important — obviously this is the Flyweight World Grand Prix [Championship] Final. At the end of this, there’s a sweet belt that I want to add to my collection and a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Champion, Adriano Moraes,” Johnson said.
“I’m very excited to face Danny Kingad. He’s only got one loss in his whole entire career, and that’s against Moraes, so he’s definitely legit. Now I’m ready to go out there and see how I fare against one of the best in Asia.”
The AMC Pankration standout has certainly kept an eye on the Baguio City native. He also knows that he is up for a tough night.
The American was particularly impressed with Kingad’s athleticism, which is big praise coming from someone known for his freakish athleticism and blinding speed.
“The Team Lakay guys are very tough and very athletic, especially Danny, and he is a wushu champion. He has great scrambles, and he is able to get off his back when he shouldn’t be able to.
“But of course, everybody has weaknesses. We have to see if I can exploit those weaknesses when we lock horns — that’s where we’re going to find out,” Johnson added.
If youth is Kingad’s main weapon entering this contest, “Might Mouse” believes the experience he carries with him will be vital in this showdown.
One thing is for certain: fans can expect the best version of the flyweight on that historic two-part event.
“I’ve been in this game a lot longer than [Kingad] has. I fought a lot of great people that are just grapplers, and also my competition has been the best of the best,” Johnson stated.
“I’m a different athlete than Danny, so we’re going to see what happens when we fight. I’m hoping to go out there and show off my best performance.”
Johnson and Kingad’s much-awaited clash is set at ONE: Century, the biggest World Championship martial arts event in history. No organization has ever promoted two full-scale World Championship events in one day.
But the Home Of Martial Arts breaks new ground as 28 World Champions compete in four World Title bouts, three World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and four World Champion versus World Champion matches at the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan on 13 October in Tokyo, Japan.
Download the ONE Super App to watch it live and for free.
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Danny Kingad Admits ‘Bittersweet’ Feeling, But Ready For Demetrious Johnson
Danny Kingad Defeats Reece McLaren To Reach ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Final
