PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
There are two things that Filipino mixed martial artist Danny Kingad wants, the ONE Flyweight title and his college diploma from University of the Cordilleras.
Kingad is set to face ONE Flyweight champion Adriano Moraes for the title on November 10 at Mall of Asia Arena and as he hits the bags at night preparing for the fight, he does the same thing on his books in the morning.
“I am still studying, but I learned how to manage my time with the help of my coaches and senior teammates,” the Team Lakay member said. “I love this sport, I love to compete because this is my passion.”
Kingad (5-0) is in his second year of his Physical Education major and he had to lessen the units he takes per semester so he can properly juggle his time training and studying.
And in the process of finishing his degree, the 22-year-old plans to disprove the stereotype that professional fighters don’t put a premium on education.
“I am giving everything I have in training for this fight and bringing home the belt will be a testament that pursuing your passion is not a hindrance in securing your future through education,” said Kingad.
“It is also a way of breaking the stigma that fighters have in our society.”
Kingad is aware that being a professional fighter is not a lifetime job and having a college degree will open avenues for him in the future.
“Education is very important because my career as a fighter will not last for long time,” said Kingad who had his first professional fight in 2014. “By the time I reach 38 or 40-years-old, I need to retire and have another job to support my family.”