Danny Kingad found himself on the wrong end of a unanimous decision loss against hometown favorite and Japanese rival Yuya Wakamatsu.
Their flyweight MMA rematch happened on the lead card of ONE 165, which took place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan this afternoon.
From the opening bell, it was evident that Wakamatsu came prepared with a strategic game plan that caught the Filipino standout off guard.
Unlike their first bout in September 2018, “Little Piranha” surprised everyone by initiating the first round with a takedown.
He showcased a never-before-seen grappling offense that left Kingad scrambling to adapt.
As Wakamatsu teed off with ground-and-pound, Kingad seized the opportunity to reverse the position, momentarily turning the tables.
However, Wakamatsu displayed resilience and skill, escaping Kingad’s clutches and engaging in brief striking exchanges on the feet.
Despite the Filipino’s relentless pressure for takedowns along the ropes, Kingad struggled to maintain control. Eventually, he secured his first takedown, attempting to capitalize with submission attempts — including a rear-naked choke and an arm triangle.
Yet, Wakamatsu’s resilience allowed him to put himself in a much better spot and unleash a flurry of strikes from the top.
In the second round, Kingad recognized the need for a significant comeback. He managed to secure a takedown against Wakamatsu’s will, but the Japanese fighter showcased superior scrambling skills.
He consistently avoided the Lions Nation MMA member’s attempts to maintain control on the mat.
In the final minute of the second stanza, Kingad committed to a single-leg takedown, but Wakamatsu’s efficient sprawl thwarted the grappling advances from the Filipino.
The third and final frame saw Wakamatsu continue to assert dominance, successfully shooting for a takedown and showcasing a relentless sprawl that denied Kingad’s attempts to turn the tide.
Despite Kingad’s unwavering determination and persistent pursuit of takedowns, Wakamatsu’s superior grappling defense earned him a unanimous decision victory
With the loss to Wakamatsu, Danny dropped his professional record to 15-4. His No. 2 seat in the flyweight MMA rankings could also be in peril.
Meanwhile, Wakamatsu — the current No. 4 flyweight contender — improved his standing to 17-6.
