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| Reece McLaren shocked the MMA world in his One Championship debut. Next month, he is set for another giant slaying journey. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--A Filipino will challenge Adriano Moraes for the One flyweight championship.
He's not Geje Eustaquio, though.
Filipino-Australian fighter Reece McLaren will battle the Brazilian champ for the said belt at One: Visions of Victory on March 9 at the Axiata Stadium in Kuala Lumpur as confirmed by One Championship to Dugout Philippines on Friday.
McLaren introduced himself to the One Championship community with a shock submission win over Filipino MMA star Mark Striegl, and his impressive run earned him a shot at Bibiano Fernandes' One bantamweight belt. McLaren pushed Fernandes to the limit only to fall short via split decision.
[Related Story: Vera retains HW belt, Bibiano Fernandes continues longest One reign]
McLaren, who moved down a weight level at flyweight, stunned Anatpong Bunrad with a submission win via anaconda choke, putting him in a position to battle Moraes for the belt.
A win by McLaren over Moraes could set up a rare all-Filipino world title fight against Eustaquio, who has the interim belt, in a unification fight.
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