5 reasons why Danny Kingad vs. Kairat Akhmetov is must-watch TV

The long-awaited matchup between No. 2-ranked flyweight ‘The King’ Danny Kingad and his rival, former ONE flyweight world champion Kairat ‘The Kazakh’ Akhmetov is finally happening.

This match has been canceled, postponed, and rescheduled multiple times over the past few years, and it seems now, barring anything out of the ordinary, that the two will finally meet in the ONE Circle.

Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov will lock horns in the main event of ONE: Winter Warriors II, a previously recorded event from the Singapore Indoor Stadium which will broadcast via tape delay on Friday, December 17.

Danny Kingad is making his much-anticipated return to action, looking to improve on his 14-2 professional record after nearly two years away from competition. The Team Lakay stalwart will be eager to come out on top against Akhmetov and book a date with reigning ONE flyweight world champion Adriano Moares.

On the other end, Akhmetov also feels he deserves a shot at the title, and will be looking to boost himself back up the rankings with a win over Danny Kingad. Listed below are five reasons why this matchup is a must-watch.

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#5. Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov will battle to the final bell

Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov are two flyweights who are well-rounded and highly skilled in every department. It will be very difficult for either athlete to break his counterpart down.

That being said, both men have a penchant for throwing all skill and strategy out of the window on occasion. When they see red, they go after the finish like fighters possessed.

With all the pent-up emotions and built-up drama heading into this fight, you can bet Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov will go to war once the first bell sounds, making this a fight that fans will not want to miss.

Records combined, they have 20 decision wins between them. But this doesn’t mean they don’t possess the ability to finish fights when needed, especially if an opening presents itself. It’s highly likely that this match will end in a spectacular knockout or submission, with both fighters sharing a similar frame of mind.

#4. Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov both have Adriano Moraes in their sights

Danny Kingad, the current No.2-ranked flyweight athlete, has longed for a rematch with Adriano Moraes and another shot at the ONE flyweight world title for the longest time. Having fallen just short of victory against Demetrious Johnson in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix back in October 2019, Danny Kingad is slowly working his way back up the ladder.

And with Demetrious Johnson, the division’s No. 1-ranked contender, busy preparing for his special rules fight against Rodtang at ONE: X, Danny Kingad has the perfect chance to make a statement against Akhmetov and book a title fight for himself.

Danny Kingad challenged Moraes for the title in 2017, losing via submission. He’s been wanting to get the Brazilian back in the ONE Circle ever since.

Of course, it’s the same case for Akhmetov, who also has unfinished business with Moraes. Akhmetov defeated the Brazilian in 2015 to capture the title, but then lost in a rematch two years later. A rubber match is in order, but only if Akhmetov can get past Danny Kingad.

Akhmetov would love to send out a strong reminder to the division while setting himself up for a trilogy fight against Moraes.

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#3. Kairat Akhmetov is building momentum, looking for fourth straight win

Akhmetov’s latest setback came at the hands of Geje Eustaquio, also a former flyweight champion, and Danny Kingad’s Team Lakay teammate. Since then, ‘The Kazakh’ has won three straight, and is looking to extend that streak to four when he takes on Danny Kingad on December 17.

Akhmetov is one of the most talented flyweight fighters in the division, and his vaunted wrestling is incredibly overbearing. Many of his opponents find it difficult to mount any sort of offense, as Akhmetov controls the action and pace of a fight for long durations.

Danny Kingad has expressed his willingness to test his strength against Akhmetov’s wrestling, but that may be ill-advised. The warrior from Kazakhstan is one of the most dominant ground fighters in ONE Championship.

#2. Danny Kingad ready to turn the corner with another winning run

‘The King’ Danny Kingad has improved exponentially on all fronts since his loss to Demetrious Johnson in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final in October 2019. However, that loss taught Danny Kingad some crucial lessons that will only help him in his career moving forward. More importantly, it has also lit a fire under him.

The young Team Lakay star is fully capable of mounting another impressive winning run, starting with a victory over Akhmetov. And he will stop at nothing to beat a man whom he has wanted to fight for years.

Danny Kingad called Akhmetov out more than two years ago, but the ill-fated showdown has met many stumbling blocks. Thankfully for fans, it’s finally happening, and we will get to see how this matchup plays out.

If Danny Kingad can beat Akhmetov, a rematch with Moraes is most likely the next step. He is one of the most talented flyweights in the world, and he now has a chance to prove that once again.

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#1. A ‘not-so classic’ battle between a grappler and a striker

Take into consideration the full spectrum of Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov’s skill sets, you will see that their overall abilities provide fans with more than the average duel between a striker and a grappler.

Yes, they do have their individual strengths, but both men know how to throw hands, and have finely-tuned striking skills to complement their distinct advantages over one another. Simply put, Akhmetov can strike with Kingad, a wushu champion, and Kingad can battle on the mat with Akhmetov, who is a decorated wrestler.

Furthermore, Danny Kingad’s wushu skills have worn down several opponents, while Akhmetov’s IQ on the canvas makes him a tough foe to break down. Judging by their last five outings, both men are equally comfortable fighting within enemy territory.

This is truly a unique matchup between two of the ONE Championship’s top flyweights. Who will have their hand raised?