Former ONE flyweight world champion Kairat Akhmetov (29-2) isn’t convinced that the Reece McLaren (16-8) move to Boonchu Gym will be enough to reverse his fortunes in their rematch.
“The Kazakh” will lock horns with the Australian star for the second time when ONE Championship touches down in the U.S. for the first time with “ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III” on Prime Video at Denver, Colorado’s 1STBANK Center on May 5.
Akhmetov – ONE’s No. 2-ranked flyweight contender – defeated McLaren via unanimous decision in 2019, and he’s ready to do it again at the historic show to show the world that his old foe’s recent improvements will only take him so far.
“Lightning” made a well-publicized decision to begin training under the tutelage of muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr in 2022, and he has shown strong gains in his striking game since then.
Akhmetov recognizes McLaren’s development, but he insists that he’s made changes of his own and points out that coaches can do little when the ONE circle door closes.
“I’m focused on my arsenal. I don’t care what he has. He’s grown since the last fight, and so have I. It’s been four years,” he said.
“John Wayne is a star – a great Thai boxer. But he won’t help him during the fight. His corner can’t fight for him.”
The stakes are high for Akhmetov and No. 4-ranked McLaren, as the winner could well lay claim to the next shot at the world title – after Adriano Moraes challenges reigning divisional king Demetrious Johnson in a heated trilogy bout in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10.
“Lightning” has scored stoppage wins in his last two outings in ONE, but Akhmetov remains unimpressed, as he is sure he is ready for anything that the Australian will send his way.
“I am ready to meet him in the standup. We’re both basic wrestlers, but it’s going to be an MMA fight, so there will be a chance to fight both on our feet and on the ground. As always, I’m ready in all aspects of the game,” he said.
“We’ll see, on May 5, who’s really worthy to fight for the championship belt.”
“The Kazakh’s” confidence ahead of their much-anticipated rematch doesn’t come from thin air.
He is riding a five-fight winning streak that dates back to 2018, and his overall record stands at an imposing 29-2.
To add a little extra fuel to the fire of their second meeting, Akhmetov claims that the pair have broken off all contact – despite once being on good terms.
According to him, McLaren unfollowed him on Instagram after their rematch was booked
Nonetheless, he insists he doesn’t have any ill will toward his Australian rival, and he plans to straighten things out after their fight this weekend.
“I don’t wish anything bad on McLaren. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. But we used to keep in touch. He used to follow me on Instagram. After the fight was announced he unsubscribed – he is showing his other side, perhaps,” he quipped.
“I want to shake his hand after the fight, regardless of the outcome, and ask him why he unsubscribed from me on Instagram.”
