Lions Nation MMA representative Danny Kingad believes to get the better of Brazilian star Adriano Moraes, he has to shore up his wrestling prowess to present a perfect foil to the solid BJJ game of 'Mikinho.' It is something that he is working hard on in training ahead of their scheduled rematch in November in the United States.
The No. 3 ONE flyweight MMA contender Kingad will make his return to action against the former divisional king and now top-ranked title challenger from Brazil at ONE 169 in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 8. The event will take place at the State Farm Arena and broadcast over Amazon Prime Video.
In an interview with The MMA Superfan, Danny Kingad conveyed that he is putting much emphasis on his wrestling and ground game in training to come up with a solid complement to his standup play for ONE 169.
He said:
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"As of now, I'm focused in repeating multiple drills, partner plays, those are the things that I'm doing to bring back my wrestling prowess. I'm working on my explosiveness as well because I know it will help my wrestling."
Watch the interview below:
Danny Kingad first took on Moraes in November 2017, challenging for the ONE flyweight MMA belt then in the possession of the Brazilian star. Things ended for him early, as he was forced into submission (rear-naked choke) in the opening round.
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Danny Kingad believes he is better prepared for rematch with Adriano Moraes at ONE 169
Danny Kingad admitted that he was squarely defeated in his first encounter with Adriano Moraes seven years ago. He is vowing a different outcome in their scheduled rematch at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8, believing he is better prepared this time around.
'The King' made this known in the same interview with The MMA Superfan, underscoring that he is far wiser and physically at his peak.
"Back then, I wasn't mature yet, let's say I wasn't ripe for the picking yet. I feel now that I'm getting older, getting wiser and better now I believe I'm in my prime physically."
Danny Kingad comes in to ONE 169: Atlanta off a loss to Japanese Yuya Wakamatsu in their battle of top flyweight contenders back in January. Moraes, for his part, returns to action after an 18-month interval from his previous match.