Danny Kingad (photo via ONE)

By FCF Staff

Danny Kingad will need to defeat one of the greatest fighters of all time in order to win ONE Championship’s flyweight grand prix, but the Filipino fighter is confident he can do just that.

Kingad will face former UFC champ Demetrious Johnson in the finals of the flyweight tourney, which will be part of ONE’s October 13th “Century” event. While talking about the upcoming fight during the pre-fight presser, Kingad had this to say about the match-up (quote via press release).

“To the ONE Championship CEO and Chairman, Chatri [Sityodtong], to the media, to my fellow martial artists, and the millions of fans around the world, thank you. I’m happy to be back here again and competing in the most important match of my life. It is an honor to represent my country, the Philippines, and I am glad to be here with my Team Lakay family. I’m excited to showcase Filipino martial arts talent to the American audience. It’s a dream come true to share the ONE Circle with a legend in Demetrious Johnson. But I believe I have the chance to beat him. If I beat him, it will be the greatest accomplishment of my career.”

The American star Johnson, meanwhile, had this to say about the fight.

“Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. I appreciate you guys, you’re an awesome crowd. I’m very excited to be back here in Japan. I’m looking forward to facing Danny Kingad. He’s a great competitor. I’m looking forward to competing against Team Lakay. I want to thank my team, Chatri [Sityodtong], for the opportunity. I would like to congratulate ONE Championship for 100 events. You guys are in for a treat. I’ve trained very hard for this fight. I know Danny Kingad is no joke and it’s going to be a sick fight.”

Kingad (11-1) is coming off a split decision win over Reece McLaren in August, while Johnson (29-3-1) earned a unanimous decision victory over Tatsumitsu Wada.

ONE “Century” will take place in Tokyo, Japan.