BOOKED a spot in ONE Championship’s world flyweight grand prix finals after emerging victorious in the semifinals last Friday of the promotion’s recent Manila event, Filipino fighter the Danny “The King” Kingad channels his attention on his next opponent in American Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
It is a pairing that local fight analyst Nissi Icasiano said is going to be tough for the Team Lakay stalwart but one that should benefit him in more ways than one.
Messrs. Kingad and Johnson were the two men left standing after flyweight grand prix semifinal action at “ONE: Dawn of Heroes” on Aug. 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Mr. Kingad was a split decision winner over Australian Reece “Lightning” McLaren while Mr. Johnson defeated Japanese Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada by unanimous decision.
The wins set up Messrs. Kingad and Johnson in a much-anticipated encounter in the finals which will happen in October in Tokyo, Japan, part of ONE’s 100th show since setting up shop in 2011.
For Mr. Icasiano, Mr. Johnson will be a tough proposition for Mr. Kingad but was quick to say that the latter has what it takes to win it all just as the fight would benefit the Filipino in growing his game and career.
“It will be an uphill battle for Danny Kingad. Of course, it is Demetrious Johnson,” said Mr. Icasiano in an interview with BusinessWorld, underscoring in Mr. Johnson one takes on a legend in mixed martial arts who has practically seen it all and won it all.
But the analyst said it should not stop Mr. Kingad from going for it and pitting his skills against the MMA superstar for a lot of positives could come out of it.
“Win or lose, he (Kingad) has everything to gain in that match. If he wins, can you imagine the magnitude and the impact of it on his career. If he loses, it is still a great takeaway for him and his brothers at Team Lakay. It gives them a full insight as how it is like to dance with one of the best to ever do it and prepare for other outstanding athletes in the sport. It is a win-win situation,” Mr. Icasiano said.
He went on to say that while facing a fighter like Johnson, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion and pound-for-pound top fighter, will be a daunting task, it is doable to beat him, more so since in ONE Championship so far the American has been “vulnerable.”
“Team Lakay should capitalize on it. In the last two fights of Demetrious Johnson, it showed that beating him is doable. It all boils down to as to how they will prepare for him and how Danny Kingad will react once he gets in there,” Mr. Icasiano said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
