ONE: Danny Kingad escapes with split decision for ticket to Grand Prix finals

Danny Kingad moves on to the ONE Flyweight Grand Prix Finals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Danny Kingad survived a tough outing and took a split decision win over Reece McLaren to move on to the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix finals in ONE: Dawn of Heroes Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

After a rough start to the fight where he became a constant victim to McLaren’s wrestling, Kingad found the wherewithal in the second to turn things around before putting on a show in the third round.

Kingad (11-1), who won his sixth straight bout, started the third with two quick takedowns and took a dominant position on the ground, employing an offense similar to what McLaren (12-7) did in the first two frames.

Danny Kingad and Reece McLaren in the World Grand Prix showdown. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With the final minute winding down, Kingad landed powerful knees to McLaren’s ribs and complemented it with several punches to the face of Filipino-Australian.

The 23-year-old Team Lakay stalwart not only extended his winning streak, but he also snapped the Baguio stable’s grim run in the card with losses from Edward Kelly, Honorio Banario and Geje Eustaquio to start the night.

“I’m so happy because I’m in the finals of the World Grand Prix, one more fight,” said Kingad.

Kingad will face the winner of the other semifinals bracket between Demetrius Johnson and Tatsumitsu Wada.