Reece McLaren Replaces Kairat Akhmetov in One Flyweight Grand Prix Semifinal

It seems that Danny Kingad will face a new opponent in the semifinals of the One Championship flyweight grand prix which will take place at One: Dawn of Heroes. Kingad was set to lock horns with Kairat Akhmetov, but the latter was forced to pull out due to an undisclosed injury. Australia’s Reece McLaren will compete in the former One flyweight champion’s place.

“The King” Kingad (10-1) earned his spot in the semifinals of One’s tournament by besting Senzo Ikeda via unanimous decision at One: A New Era in March. The Team Lakay representative is riding a five-bout winning streak, with all five victories coming by decision.

“Lighting” McLaren (12-6) is seeking to bounce back after suffering a defeat in his last fight by the same Akhmetov whom he is now replacing. Prior to that, the 27-year-old put together a series of three consecutive wins, with a notable victory over Japan’s Tatsumitsu Wada. The Australian fighter would have faced Yuya Wakamatsu, who is now set to meet Geje Eustaquio.

The winner of the first semifinal will face the winner of the clash between longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship champion Demetrious Johnson and Tatsumitsu Wada in the final of the grand prix, which will take place at One: Century on Oct. 13.

One: Dawn of Heroes will feature Martin Nguyen defending his featherweight title against Koyomi Matsushima. In the same event, former UFC and Bellator MMA lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez will square off with Filipino fighter Eduard Folayang.