“Heaps of actual MMA rounds” - Aussie star Reece McLaren details brutal training camp ahead of ONE Fight Night 22
Reece McLaren is making sure all bases are covered when he makes his comeback this May.
The Australian star will face Hu Yong in a potential match of the night winner at ONE Fight Night 22 on May 3 at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
In an interview with ONE Championship, the former world title contender said he's deep into his training camp in preparation for Hu in Bangkok. McLaren revealed he and his team are already simulating full five-minute MMA rounds in camp.
"We're putting in heaps of rounds. Heaps of actual MMA rounds, too, which is just amazing. Five-minute rounds, you name it, we're pretty much doing it. The process is being loved again and that's really, really refreshing," said Reece McLaren.
While going full throttle in training camp runs the risk of depleting his daily reserves, McLaren's offensive style has always been a showcase of unrelenting pressure.
One of the promotion's most exciting fighters since his debut in 2015, 'Lightning' has nine wins in ONE Championship and seven finishes scattered across five submissions and two knockouts.
McLaren currently sits as the number four contender in the flyweight MMA division and a win over Hu, the fifth-ranked contender in the division, would certainly bolster the Aussie's case for a shot at reigning world champion Demetrious Johnson.
ONE Fight Night 22 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Reece McLaren talks about Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr's philosophy
Reece McLaren started his MMA career with a heavy grappling base, but he's since made strides in improving his abilities on the feet.
A huge part of his improvement in the striking department is Muay Thai legend, John Wayne Parr.
In a previous interview with ONE Championship, McLaren spoke about Parr's influence:
"I remember years and years ago, you have fighters that [think] everything has to be perfect. When something doesn't go right, it's like, 'Let's see if I can fight him, I'm going to lose the fight.' You need that person that comes in, they're happy, they're smiling. If something doesn't go right, 'Ah, it's alright.' They take it in their best stride and they kick it on," said McLaren.