Danny Kingad believes he can stop Reece McLaren in Manila

PHILIPPINES martial arts star Danny “The King” Kingad is certain of one thing come ONE: DAWN OF HEROES: his hand will be raised as the victor in his ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup against Reece “Lightning” McLaren.

Despite the change of opponent, “The King” believes nothing will stop him when the action transpires in the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, 2 August.

“For me, it’s not that huge of an adjustment because they have a similar style. I think they are both strong wrestlers, while I have the advantage in striking. Reece, however, is more technical on the ground and grappling,” Kingad said.

“I think Kairat Akhmetov is stronger than Reece in terms of wrestling,” he said of his original opponent who was forced to withdraw due to injury.

The 23-year-old athlete has done his homework on a very tricky athlete who owns brilliant technique on the ground and in the grappling sphere.

He wants to prove to the world that he could one day become another World Champion from the iconic Team Lakay in Baguio City, Philippines.

“The World Grand Prix is a good way to prove to the entire flyweight division who should be the next challenger for the World Title,” the martial artist stated.

“That is what I want to prove to the world by winning this tournament – that I deserve that next shot for the World Title.”

Kingad has also worked on his opponent’s biggest strength, adding, “I prepare in training by doing advanced lessons – I need to polish other aspects like wrestling and jiu-jitsu because that is their strength.”

“The King” is in fine form leading up to this match, with five victories on the trot against highly-skilled opposition. His only career defeat has come against ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes.

With the bout just days away, Kingad revealed that teammate Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon – who defeated McLaren in 2017 – shared a valuable tip ahead of his must-win flyweight meeting.

“Kevin told me that all he did was knock him out, so his advice to me was to just do the same. Their match didn’t last too long, so he couldn’t say for certain how Reece is as an opponent in the Circle.”

“It will be an exciting match. I am confident for this bout because, from striking to the ground game, I am prepared for this.”