ONE Flyweight contender Danny “The King” Kingad is making sure he has every facet of his game covered and accounted for, in preparation for his match against former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov.
The titans of the stacked flyweight division will collide in the semifinals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix on the undercard of ONE: Dawn of Heroes on August 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Akhmetov is a renowned Greco Roman wrestler with an impressive mixed martial arts record of 23-2. He showcased improved striking in his latest outing against former ONE Bantamweight World Title challenger Reece “Lightning” McLaren at ONE: A New Era this past March.
Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao watched that match intently. There, he saw how Akhmetov gave McLaren problems from the southpaw stance.
“Akhmetov is a southpaw and Danny is used to facing right-handed opponents. We’re already preparing for that. I know Akhmetov’s striking has improved, and it was evident in the McLaren fight,” said Sangiao.
“We’re studying Akhmetov’s previous bouts, but I still expect him to try and take Danny down quickly,” he added. “Whatever he wants to do, we won’t have any problems.
“If he decides to stand with Danny, then he’ll oblige.”
While they’re preparing for Akhmetov’s striking, their main focus remains on the Kazakh’s excellent wrestling and takedowns.
Since Kingad is one of the most well-rounded athletes in the fabled stable, Sangiao remains confident that the 23-year old can stand toe-to-toe with Akhmetov’s grappling.
“I think Danny has proven that he can also dominate in a wrestling bout,” said Sangiao.
“Now this is his acid test – this is where he’ll truly be tested as he’ll be facing a wrestler,” he added.
“But we cannot discount the fact that Akhmetov might want to keep this a striking battle.”
For Sangiao, this match will boil down to a war of attrition. He said that the better-conditioned athlete is likely to emerge victorious. And so they’re moving heaven and earth to make sure Kingad comes out in the best shape of his life.
“What Danny needs is muscle endurance. Akhmetov will try to wrestle him and that’s why Danny needs to be stronger,” shared Sangiao.
“This August 2 is a big night for the boys. I know they’ll show up. It’s gonna be difficult but I am confident they’ll be ready.”
