A much bulkier Mark Striegl was dominating Reece McLaren in the first ten minutes of the bout. However, just like in his bout against Kim Jang Yong in PXC 39, “Mugen” gassed out resulting to a shocker.
The best pure wrestler in the Philippines today, Mark Striegl immediately goes for the shoot for a quick takedown. The Australian bantamweight champion tried to attempt a guillotine on Striegl but was easily shrugged off by the Filipino-American. As McLaren was able to escape, “Mugen” greeted him with a huge knee. “Lightning” tried to change the pace of the match by throwing flying knees but Striegl immediately secured a second takedown to dominate the opening round.
“Mugen” again outpowered McLaren for another takedown but could not control the much smaller Australian. Power shots by Striegl paved the way for another takedown by the Filipino-American. With 1:59 to go, the Evolve MMA fighter attempted his favorite submission, a kimura, but could not lock it in. With the two back up, Striegl winded up for a huge straight to knock McLaren down. Mugen then went for a soccer kick but McLaren was fortunate to grab hold of Striegl. Leg kicks by McLaren closed out the round.
After building up so much mass compared to his last outing, Striegl was much slower as he went out of the stool clearly fatigued. McLaren was able to attempt a choke and, soon after, gain a mount on the Fil-Am. Punches and elbows to the head by McLaren stunned Striegl. With 1:36 left, the Australian locked in a rear naked choke and ten seconds later the upset was realized as Striegl taps out with 1:26 remaining in the bout.
“I’m just so thankful to be here because of ONE,” a delighted McLaren shared after the fight. “I came here on just a few days notice and now I’m on live TV.”
When asked what he was thinking about going into the third round, he just thought “five minutes. Five more minutes and it’s done.”
On the other hand, Striegl walked to the back an emotional wreck. He had to be consoled by his trainers to the back as he was devastated with the loss.
With the win, Reece McLaren’s record now stands at 8-3 while Striegl suffers his second defeat in his 16 fight career.
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