“I’m Different” – Reece McLaren Plans to Showcase Evolution in Rematch With Kairat Akhmetov
Follow Us
Reece “Lightning” McLaren has been improving at a steady pace over the last four years, and he believes there’s still more room for growth before he steps foot inside the Circle at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video.
The Australian martial artist runs it back against Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov on the organization’s on-ground debut show in the U.S. at 1st Bank Center on Friday, May 5.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reece McLaren wanted to showcase his variety to Kairat Akhmetov with a victory this time
McLaren told ONE, “I think it’s unrecognizable [how much I’ve changed]. I think I’ve shown that I’m more diverse. I’m different. Totally different. I don’t want to bag on Akhmetov, but with all respect to him, it’s like, ‘Man, you’re still the same. He’s a little stuck in the mud. I’ll make him look more stuck in the mud this time.”
After piecing together three back-to-back victories at the start of his promotional tenure, the Boonchu Gym product slumped to a defeat to the Kazakhstani at ONE: A NEW ERA in March 2019.
Trending
After Deion Sanders Jr.’s Shiny $79K Purchase, Shedeur & Shilo Follow Their Brother’s Footsteps to Flaunt New Beast
March 26, 2024 01:13 PM EDT
“I Will Miss Him”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Mourns the Devastating Demise of His Dear Friend
March 24, 2024 10:33 AM EDT
“Broken Feet”: Tom Brady’s Hidden Injuries Spilled by Former Teammate Julian Edelman
March 27, 2024 01:25 PM EDT
Steelers GM Omar Khan Divulges on Keeping Ravens’ Derrick Henry in Check With DeShon Elliott as a Strong Safety
March 27, 2024 12:56 PM EDT
Tony Stewart Submits His NHRA Team’s Reins to Wife Leah Pruett in 4 Words After Opening Struggles
March 25, 2024 10:22 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
While he did match his rival’s skills on the canvas, the BJJ black belt was no match for Akhmetov’s firepower when the two stood and traded punches on the feet. After three exciting rounds, Akhmetov left the Circle with a deserving unanimous decision win.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, with “Lightning” now honing his striking weapons under the tutelage of multiple-time Muay Thai legend John Wayne “The Gunslinger” Parr in Australia, the #4-ranked flyweight contender believes he has been equipped with enough knowledge and tools to dispatch the former ONE Flyweight World Champion.
Reece McLaren showcased the upgrades in his fight game at ONE 158
He’s already showcased his creativity on the feet in his past couple of outings since training alongside Parr. First, McLaren blended in his newly acquired skills to get past “The Hunter” Xie Wei at ONE 158 in June last year. Though he ultimately won via a rear-naked choke, “Lightning’s” work on the feet allowed him to transition to the canvas at ease.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Following that impressive performance, McLaren put on another commanding display to force Brazil’s Windson Ramos to quit at the end of round two at ONE 162. His jab-straight combinations found a home throughout the duel. And later on in the second frame, the Australian mixed targets and relied on his body hooks and jab-right kick combinations to seal the win.
Edited by:
Rohini Kottu