Danny Kingad Calls Demetrious Johnson “The GOAT,” But Says Joshua Pacio Is The Best Fighter
ONE Championship’s flyweight division is composed of an elite group of mixed martial arts competitors from across the globe. There is never a dull battle in the division, as it contains memorable matches with highlight-reel finishes. Since 2014, Danny “The King” Kingad has been a formidable force in the division. Ranked # 2, Kingad always has amazed viewers and captured success in his rise at ONE. Even in defeat, he has taken his shortcomings as learning lessons toward his growth as a martial artist.
Kingad’s only two losses in the company come from a former UFC champion and former ONE champion. At “ONE on TNT,” Adriano Moraes emerged victorious over Demetrious Johnson, executing a devastating knockout finish in the second round. Kingad has suffered losses from both “ONE on TNT” main event competitors. As an eyewitness of the confrontation and the aftermath, Kingad still holds high reverence for Johnson. Kingad believes the loss to Moraes doesn’t devalue Mighty Mouse Johnson’s status as the Bantamweight G.O.A.T.
“Demetrious Johnson is still the GOAT following his loss to Moraes, “Kingad said in comments provided to MyMMANews. “He’s proven it in the past by winning championships, and in my eyes, he still is the greatest of all time. I have a lot of respect for him because I’ve learned a lot from our match. I’m motivated to learn more because of that match.”
There is a deep talent pool that stretches beyond the realm of the flyweight division. Kingad thoroughly analyzes the landscape and draws admiration and inspiration from the fighter’s success. One combatant’s winning streak has caught the eye of Kingad. Danny Kingad believes this particular strawweight competitor is the best fighter in ONE today.
“Joshua Pacio is the best fighter in ONE is today, “Kingad said. “I think he’s the best pound-for-pound athlete today in ONE mainly because of his World Title defenses and finishes alone.”
As the ONE Champion landscape continues to evolve, Kingad also looks to continue his evolution. Kingad’s last fight appearance saw him scoring a unanimous decision victory over Wei Xie at “ONE Championship: Fire & Fury” in February 2020. Since his battle against Xie, The King has yet to compete, but not for long. After a two-year hiatus, Kingad will be returning to action in the main event at One Championship: Winter Warriors 2 against Kairat Akhmetov. Both fighters were scheduled to lock horns at past events, with each match falling through the cracks. A long-awaited battle finally in the making, Kingad is thrilled about his return to action and finally being able to step in the cage to test himself against Akhmetov on December 17.
