MARK Sangiao isn’t just the head coach and founder of the famed Team Lakay.
He’s also the team’s spiritual leader, a father-figure to many of its younger members and a guide through the often convoluted world of mixed martial arts, so it certainly comes as no surprise that Sangiao has a pretty good idea of what could be next for one of his rising stars.
When Danny Kingad lost to reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes in 2017, it set Kingad off on a path of learning.
After all, he suffered the first defeat of his professional career, in his first-ever title shot, and it’s an experience Kingad says will stick with him for as long as he competes.
Sangiao believes Kingad learned more in that loss than he did in any of his wins. As a result, the Filipino star is developing at an exponential rate, and Sangiao is simply amazed at what he sees.
“Whether Moraes will remain champion after his fight with Demetrious Johnson, that remains to be seen. But whether or not Moraes is champion, Danny is ready to fight him,” said Sangiao.
Sangiao added Kingad has improved so much in just the span of three years and has worked so hard in every facet of his game.
“There’s no stopping this young man from achieving his goals. Fans will be surprised by just how good Danny is now compared to just a few months ago. He’s used this time off wisely to refocus and rededicate himself to proving himself as one of the best in the world at his weight class,” added Sangiao.
Moraes is expected to defend his title next against ONE Flyweight Grand Prix World Champion and 12-time former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson.
Sangiao is confident Kingad would destroy Moraes now, regardless of whether or not the Brazilian remains champion after the Johnson bout.
“I think Danny learned so much from the first fight with Adriano, and now he’s a completely different fighter. He has so much more experience. I know Danny will beat Adriano the next time they meet in the Circle,” Sangiao concluded.