ONE Fight Night 26: Reece McLaren Targets Flyweight Victory Over “One-Dimensional” Jarred Brooks

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Australian fighting ace Reece McLaren is set to begin his quest for the 26-pound flyweight gold belt. He will face current ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred Brooks in a pivotal fight on 7 December that could shape the fate of the division.

The fourth-ranked contender knows that a win at ONE Fight Night 26 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, could earn him a ONE Flyweight MMA World Title shot. Since the retirement of Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson, the title has been vacant, and top contenders are gunning to get the match.

The "Lightning's" opponent is moving up a division to face him, but he has advised him to stay in his lane. McLaren further added that "The Monkey God" relies too heavily on his wrestling.

"Every time (Brooks) talked about coming up to fight DJ, he kept talking about coming up to flyweight. I would constantly be telling him he's too small, too short. I'm standing by that. You should stay at strawweight, bro." McLaren said.

"I kind of feel he is a little bit one-dimensional with his wrestling offense. He moves lots, and then he always looks to try and wrestle. I can guarantee violence."

The Australian has nearly a decade of experience fighting in ONE, scoring 10 wins with a 70 percent finishing rate. He is no stranger to facing tough opponents, and his next rival is a ONE World Champion whom he respects as a fighter.

McLaren was booked for a title match in 2018, but it didn't happen due to then-champion Adriano Moraes' injury. He has yet to receive that title match opportunity, but he believes defeating current interim strawweight king Brooks will secure his slot.

"He is a current World Champion and a World Champion for a reason. I cannot deny his skill. He is an awesome fighter, I think. Securing [a World Title shot] would be a good affirmation, but winning that World Title would mean absolutely everything," he said.

"I feel like I should be fighting for a World Title. If that's not the case, then this stamps my name on that top-tier list for the next title contender by taking out a current World Champion."