Danny Kingad and Yuya Wakamatsu Set for Rematch at ONE 165 in Tokyo

Danny Kingad and Yuya Wakamatsu are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch at ONE 165 as ONE Championship makes its return to Japan on January 28. The flyweight MMA bout is scheduled to take place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, marking a sequel to their first meeting in September 2018, where Kingad emerged victorious via unanimous decision in a thrilling three-round contest.

Since their initial encounter, both fighters have taken divergent paths in the division.

Kingad has maintained his momentum, securing victories in five of his last seven matches. Currently ranked #2 in the flyweight division, he has established himself as a top-rated contender. His most recent win came in February with a dominant performance against Eko Roni Saputra, securing a shut-out unanimous decision.

On the other hand, Wakamatsu has experienced a mix of successes and setbacks, compiling a 6-3 record since his loss to Kingad. After an unsuccessful bid to capture the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title from Adriano Moraes in March 2022 and a subsequent stoppage defeat to Woo Sung Hoon, Wakamatsu bounced back with a first-round knockout victory over Xie Wei in July, solidifying his position at #4 in the rankings.

The upcoming rematch holds significant stakes for both fighters, with a win potentially positioning them for a shot at the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship currently held by Demetrious Johnson.

In addition to the Kingad-Wakamatsu rematch, ONE 165 promises further excitement with six local heroes scheduled for action. The strawweight MMA division will feature two pivotal bouts that could reshape its rankings, including a clash between second-ranked contender Bokang Masunyane and undefeated rising star Keito Yamakita. Additionally, top-five contenders Hiroba Minowa and Gustavo Balart are set to go head-to-head on the card.