Kairat Akhmetov Two-Step Plan: Take Out Kingad At ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II, Then Get World Title Trilogy With Moraes
ONE: Winter Warriors II is right around the corner and it features a fantastic main event between Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov. Akhmetov comes in the more experienced fighter at 27-2 but Kingad has been near perfect. Kingad dropped a fight to Demetrious Johnson in October of 2019. Now, Akhmetov thinks he is the next to beat the ONE Championship standout.
Akhmetov is coming into this fight incredibly healthy. He says that this fight will be the best version of himself and that he’s going to enjoy going out there and doing what he loves most.
“I’m 100-percent ready with no injuries or anything bothering me. I feel excellent. I’m ready to make a show and perform at my best. The fans should expect a very uncompromising fight. It’s difficult to say [how it will go], but I know I will feel great joy and pride.”
Kairat Akhmetov vs. Danny Kingad
Kairat Akhmetov thinks he has the advantage going into ONE: Winter Warriors II. While much of the hype is behind the number 2 ranked Kingad, Akhmetov is well aware of what he’s getting into with Kingad. He throws shade at Kingad and says he will be the one to produce fireworks come December 17th.
“[Kingad] had one knockout in the beginning of his career, but all his last fights have been won by decision, split or unanimous. He has never had knockouts, and he wants to knock me out? Yes, he has good stand-up, no questions here, but don’t be surprised if it’s me that knocks him out. I’m not afraid of his stand-up.”
He also reminds everyone what sport the two are competing in. Kingad loves to stand but Akhmetov says that this will be an all around fight because this is mixed martial arts, after all.
“I will do stand-up and grappling. Mixed martial arts is neither kickboxing, wrestling, or any separate sport – it’s mixed martial arts. We’ll show ourselves in all aspects.”
Akhmetov and the future
As for what’s next, Kairat Akhmetov knows what a win over second ranked Danny Kingad will get him. He has the title in his sights, but he will “settle” for a fight with MMA legend, Demetrious Johnson.
“After winning this bout, I would like to fight for the title, or with Demetrious Johnson in my homeland, Kazakhstan. We have business to finish with Adriano Moraes. The score is 1-1. I think we ought to make it a trilogy. But I don’t want to make guesses.”
And most importantly, Akhmetov is happy to represent his home country of Kazakhstan. He believes his identity and his dream go hand in hand and will come to fruition soon.
“And all of Kazakhstan is waiting for a ONE Championship event here. This is my dream. But this contender fight is my identification card for my future dream.”
