ONE Fight Night 22: Reece McLaren Believes Victory Over Hu Yong Will Get Him Closer To Demetrious Johnson

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Sitting as the #4-ranked contender in ONE Championship's flyweight MMA division, Reece "Lightning" McLaren is on the cusp of challenging for gold. Now, he believes his shot at stardom is on the other side of Hu Yong this weekend.

The Aussie star returns to action this Saturday, May 4, at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova inside Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

It will be McLaren's first outing in a year, but he's made leaps and bounds in his skill set since. Although he knows how dangerous Hu is, McLaren believes his improvements have prepared him to jump at any opportunity and walk away victorious.

"I think he's on a three-fight win streak. He just beat the guy that beat Yuya [Wakamatsu], so this is a big turning point for myself and him, I believe. Yeah, the sky's the limit after this one if I can get the nod," McLaren said.

"Honestly, I think I've got the wood over pretty much most of the ranked ONE Championship flyweights in the grappling aspect. Jiu-jitsu, submissions - give me an inch, and I'll take that mile."

McLaren's tenure has seen him go 7-4 record since moving to ONE's flyweight realm. Most notably, the Aussie's submission skills can end a contest at any given second, and he'll look to make use of that talent at ONE Fight Night 22.

"It's Gonna Be A Bashing" - With New Team Behind Him, Reece McLaren Ready For Triumph

Whenever Reece McLaren enters ONE Championship's battleground, you know it's going to be a fast and furious affair. And "Lightning" tells fans to expect the same at ONE Fight Night 22.

It will be no easy task, though, as McLaren's up against #5-ranked flyweight MMA contender Hu Yong. But after finding a new home in Queensland, Australia's CMBT Training Centre, the 32-year-old plans to smash through Hu with the performance of a lifetime.

"Yeah, I always think I'm one fight away from [the World Title shot]. Honestly, I'm trying not to think too much into it. I'm just taking it one fight at a time. Honestly, after changing camp, [a] new year, we're so ready to just get in and smash everyone."

"Tune in, and you'll see. I think it's gonna be a bashing." Should he get past Hu, McLaren could see himself face one of the greatest of all time - ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious Johnson.