Reece “Lightning” McLaren, 26, of Gold Coast, Australia was supposed to challenge ONE Championship‘s reigning flyweight champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, 28, of Brazil at “ONE: Visions of Victory” at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 9, 2018. But due to injury, the Brazilian champion had to pull out of the competition.
The Filipino-Australian mixed martial artist’s training did not go to waste as Gianni Subba, 25, of Malaysia stepped up and replaced Moraes. McLaren and Subba battled it out in the flyweight division.
It was a ONE Flyweight World Championship title eliminator. McLaren flaunted his fluid striking, repeatedly hammering Subba with stinging punches and lashing leg kicks.
In the end, McLaren’s impeccable ground game secured the finish for himself. He forced Subba to wave the white flag with an arm triangle submission in the second round.
“ONE: Visions of Victory” marked the sixth bout of McLaren under ONE Championship. He made his promotional debut on December 11, 2015 at “ONE: Spirit of Champions” where he submitted Mark “Mugen” Striegl, 29, of the Philippines via rear-naked choke.
McLaren’s successful ONE Championship debut was followed by another win on April 15, 2016. He won at “ONE: Global Rivals” via unanimous decision over Muin Gafurov.
On December 2, 2016, McLaren lost a ONE Championship bout for the first time. Reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes defeated the Filipino-Australian MMA fighter via split decision.
On August 18, 2017, McLaren lost inside the ONE Championship cage for the second time. He was knocked out by Kevin Belingon at “ONE: Quest for Greatness.”
After two consecutive losses, McLaren returned to the winning side. He submitted Anatpong Bunrad via brabo choke at “ONE: Legends of the World” on November 10, 2017.
Winning at “ONE: Visions of Victory” improved McLaren’s professional MMA record to 11 wins and 5 losses. It was his fourth win under the ONE Championship banner.
On the other hand, losing to McLaren downgraded Subba’s professional MMA record to 9 wins and 3 losses. “ONE: Visions of Victory” marked his 12th ONE Championship bout.
CONAN Daily 