Team Lakay goes 5-0 in ONE Global Rivals while Filipino-Australian Reece McLaren proved he’s no fluke.
McLaren displays ‘lightning’-like reflexes in UD win
In a grappler’s showcase, Filipino-Aussie Reece McLaren displayed great wrestling in outpointing previously-undefeated 19 year old Muin Gafurov.
McLaren continuously put pressure on his opponent in the first round of the fight. The half-Filipino was able to take Tajik twice in the round while attempting a guillotine choke to end the opening stanza.
Again, McLaren was able to take Gafurov with ease in the second round as he was able to take him down thrice. A judo throw by McLaren with 27 seconds left gave ‘Lightning’ an advantageous crucifix position but time wasn’t on his side as the round ended.
In the final round, Gafurov, with his streak on the line, went on the aggressive. He was able to set-up a huge takedown coming from his striking midway through the final frame. Another take down by Gafarov with 1:51 left tried to sway the fight in his favor but McLaren was able to drag his opponent down with 1:13 left that ultimately decided the fight.
“Pinoy Pride Manila!,” McLaren said. “I’m actually half-Filipino!”
“I apologize for not being able to finish and I promise I will make it up soon.”
The win gives Reece McLaren his second straight win inside the ONE cage and is now 9-3. Gafurov suffers his first loss and is now 10-1.
Result: Reece McLaren def. Muin Gafurov via unanimous decision
Tynanes seizes command of Ando
In lightweight action, Hawaiian Lowen Tynanes grinded out Japanese fighter Koji Ando for his ninth win in as many fights.
Tynanes was in complete command of the match-up right from the get go. The 25 year old Hawaiian’s wrestling was able to beat out Ando’s judo. He was able to take the 31 year old with ease in 15 minutes of action.
Tynanes is now 9-0 in his MMA career while Ando falls to 12-5-2
Result: Lowen Tynanes def. Koji Ando via unanimous decision
Eustaquio overcomes Subba’s length to win title eliminator
Subba’s length became an issue for Eustaquio in the opening minutes of the match. A huge straight by Subba forces Eustaquio to the corner but Gravity was able to reverse and lift his opponent to the corner. Subba tried to go with the kicks to keep distance. With 2:07 left in the round, the 27 year old Filipino was able to land his first clean strike of the bout: a body kick. A takedown attempt by Subba was stuffed by the Filipino the close-out the round.
In the second round, it was evident that the gameplan of “Gravity” was to dirty box. Body kicks and quick combinations became the story of the round as Eustaquio was able to find his timing. Moreover, he was able to sprawl another Subba takedown before cornering the Malaysian once more and finish the round with more dirty boxing.
Having found his distance, Eustaquio was more comfortable in his striking in the final five minutes of the fight. He continued to chip-in punches and a right hook with 2:27 remaining rocked Subba. However, the Team Lakay fighter was cut under his right eye with two minutes left. Subba was able to take Eustaquio down with 58 ticks left but the Filipino defied gravity as he was able to kip up almost immediately. With 30 seconds left and sensing victory, the Baguio-native went for a shimmy and then stuffed one last take down attempt by the Malaysian.
“Honestly, I had two injuries before this fight, shoulder and the right hand,” Eustaquio admitted after the fight. He couldn’t pull out of the bout however because he wanted to fight in front of his countrymen.
“I would like to say to all Filipinos here that this fight is for you,” he added. “I’d like to thank Gianni for taking this fight in the Philippines and for a good fight.”
Geje Eustaquio is now 8-4 and is now the number one contender for the bantamweight belt. Gianni Subba suffers his second career loss.
Result: Geje Eustaquio def. Gianni Subba via unanimous decision.
