'Lightning' resolute to dethrone Danny Kingad in Manila

McLaren, who lost to Kairat Akhmetov in the quarter-finals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, was reinstated in the semi-final bout after the latter was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Instead of a scheduled bout against Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu, the Australian grappling sensation will now face Danny “The King” Kingad in Manila, Philippines.

“Getting a second opportunity to continue in this Grand Prix is a total blessing, and I’m glad to be the one they picked for it,” the 27-year-old McLaren said. “We’re grabbing this opportunity with both hands and running full bolt with it. It’s exciting.”

As exciting as it seems, McLaren is fully aware that Kingad will dispense a much tougher game plan than “Little Piranha.”

Kingad is on a five-match winning streak, with his last loss coming to Adriano Moraes in November 2017.

But with conviction, the Potential Unlimited Mixed Martial Arts standout believes that he has what it takes to leave the Mall of Asia Arena with a huge upset.

“If anything, Danny is more well-rounded as a mixed martial artist, but it basically stays the same. I am working on my strengths to exploit any weaknesses,” he said.

“The Team Lakay boys always come in super fit. They’re known for their fitness coming down from the mountains,” he added. “It’s no secret that I always come in super fit as well.”

The Christmas Island native added that his sublime jiu-jitsu could turn the tide in his favor.

Seven of his 12 career wins have come by way of submission, including huge victories over Gianni Subba, Anatpong Bunrad, and a memorable debut stoppage against Muin Gafurov in ONE Championship.

“My edge will be jiu-jitsu — I’m just better at jiu-jitsu than he is. I like that I am a specialist in grappling,” the BJJ black belt pointed out.

He added, “I have one area of the game that I specialize in, and that’s where I have an advantage. You can see that with the finishes I have. Skill is what it will come down to, to be honest.”