FIFTH-ranked Filipino-Australian flyweight Reece “Lightning” McLaren promised to show some gains in his return to the One Championship Circle.
McLaren looked impressive as he made short work of the erstwhile unbeaten Aleksi “The Giant” Toivonen in the co-main event of One: Reign of Dynasties on Friday in Singapore.
McLaren scored a knockout victory with seconds to spare in the first round, landing a beautiful knee to the body of Toivonen as he crumbled to the canvas like a house being demolished.
Known as one of the best grapplers in the promotion, “Lightning” was elated to showcase his improved striking for a 14-7 career record.
“I was very confident with my striking. It’s the one aspect that I have lacked,” McLaren said.
“In the last few months I feel like I’ve finally caught up to standard. Next, now is to excel.”
McLaren also shared that the knockout came as a surprise even to him.
“I was totally in the moment, just going with the flow. That was a very instinctive strike. It was hard and went in deep, and I was ready to follow it up,” McLaren said.
He did apologize for the punch that followed the knee. Even though it was legal, he felt it was unwarranted.
“I feel bad,” he admitted. “I shouldn’t have put that last punch in. I kind of came over and the ref wasn’t waving it off, so I had to put that one last punch in.”
McLaren improved his case in the loaded flyweight division, but that is the least of his concerns now. Before planning his next step, he wants to focus on his personal life first – especially since he was recently engaged to his girlfriend.
“I’m just thinking about my girl, my family, my team. I just want to thank Chatri so much for having me here in his home of Singapore,” McLaren said.
“What an amazing experience. The protocols were so tight, I just want to go home now after two weeks of quarantine.”
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