Danny Kingad and Reece McLaren first fought in 2019 with the Filipino winning by split decision. Fast forward three years and they both find themselves in a very similar situation.
Kingad is currently ranked #4 while McLaren is at #5. The Australian recently suggested he would like another shot at the Filipino who confirms he is ready and willing to do the rematch,
“I think he doesn’t believe that he lost in our first fight, that’s why he wants that rematch. Knowing Team Lakay and knowing myself, we’re not backing down from anyone. I’m ready if ever we fight each other again. Give me the date and place!”
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In his last fight McLaren submitted Xie Wie in the opening round. Kingad, who went the distance with the Chinese fighter in 2020, was impressed,
“An excellent performance from Reece! He was able to survive the killer right punch of Xie Wei. I was amazed and equally entertained by Reece. He really gave it his all during the fight and submit Xie Wei.”
Kingad beat Wie by decision but that contest was much closer and he certainly didn’t win that fight as emphatically as McLaren did. The Filipino has not fought this year is coming off the third loss of his career.
He was outwrestled by Kairat Akhmetov at ONE: ‘Winter Warriors’ and says he learned a lot of lessons from that defeat.
“Yes, my loss against Kairat taught me a lot. I saw a lot of areas that I need to work on after my last match.”
#ONEWinterWarriors2 速報📣
フライ級ランカー対決となった、ダニー・キンガッド🆚カイラット・アクメトフの一戦は、アクメトフが終始試合をコントロールしユナニマス判定で勝利を掴んだ✨#WeAreONE #ONEChampionship #格闘技 pic.twitter.com/bmk0HAlSFN— ONECHAMPJP (@ONECHAMPJP) December 17, 2021
Similar skillset
Akhmetov is a wrestler while McLaren holds a black belt in BJJ. Even though they are different fighters from different backgrounds Kingad still sees his fight with the Australian as a chance for redemption.
He wants to prove he is a good enough fighter to take on an elite grappler and avoid being repeatedly taken down and submitted. Kingad makes it absolutely clear that it is a match he is up for,
“You can say my would-be fight with Reece, if ONE Championship will make it happen, is a kind of redemption match for me, but the most vital thing to do is answer Reece’s call-out.”
