Team Lakay fighter Danny “The King” Kingad, 22, feels extra motivated in his return to the cage. He and his girlfriend Jannine Vera Kate Dominguez have welcomed their first child Gleuordan Adriel Kingad yesterday at the Saint Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart in Baguio City, Philippines.

As a first-time father, Kingad was at a loss for words when he first saw and held his newborn child. Quite similar to his professional mixed martial arts career, he admitted that raising his son properly will pose a challenge.

“This is a huge blessing for our family,” Kingad stated. “Having him in my life felt like winning a world title. I am out of words as to how I will describe my happiness.”

“This is one of the most meaningful moments in my life,” the Filipino MMA fighter added. “I hope and pray that I can be a good role model to my son. I will be the best father that I can be.”

Kingad pointed out that there is an extra sense of responsibility he brings into training with, as well as an added dose of motivation. He said, “Definitely, there is just so much more responsibility now.”

“There’s a real responsibility and obligation to my child,” Kingad continued. “It has given me much more motivation not only to work harder but also to work smarter.”

“I know I’m not fighting just for myself anymore,” the Team Lakay fighter added. “Now every time I go to work, I give a little bit more for my son.”

Fighting out of Baguio City, Kingad is slated to duke it out with Japanese newcomer Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu, 23, on the undercard of “ONE: Conquest of Heroes” on September 28, 2018 at the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia. The Filipino contender hopes that his son would be proud of him not only because of his vast achievements in mixed martial arts but more importantly because of how he is as a father.

“My goal as a father is to be a good provider, protector, teacher and a good role model to my son,” Kingad declared. “Right now, if that means I have to go to the gym day and night and give my all to training so that I come out triumphant on September 22, then by all means, I will win it.”

Here is a clip featuring Kingad:

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