Mark Striegl wants another piece of Reece McLaren

MANILA, Philippines – Despite being out of action for nearly a year, Filipino-American fighter Mark Striegl has not forgotten a single bit of his painful loss to Filipino-Australian stalwart Reece McLaren.

McLaren, who filled in for Australian combatant Jordan Lucas on less than two weeks notice, pulled off a major upset in his ONE Championship debut by submitting Striegl with a rear-naked choke in December 2015.

The 25-year-old native of Gold Coast, Queensland overcame a series of takedowns and a second round-knockdown against the highly-favored Striegl, but he methodically chipped away at his opponent with stinging leg kicks.

As his cage counterpart appeared to lose steam in the final frame, McLaren countered a weary takedown attempt in the third round with solid elbows before he advanced to Striegl’s back to latch on the fight-ending choke at the 3:33 mark of the third round.

With Striegl aiming to be part of ONE Championship’s ninth trip to the Philippines on December 2, the 28-year-old submission specialist from Baguio City would like to lock horns with McLaren once again.

“I would like to have a rematch with Reece. Hopefully, [it happens] in Manila. I hope our paths cross again,” he told Rappler.

Ever since his conquest of Streigl, McLaren has only fought once, defeating Tajik prospect Muin Gafurov via unanimous decision last April.

Meanwhile, Striegl has been on the sidelines since he squared off with McLaren as he took time to nurse training-related injuries.

Striegl was supposed to make his return to the ONE Championship cage earlier this year, but his layoff was extended after he got bronchitis.

“Mugen” stressed that he has fully recovered from his illness and is now waiting for a call from ONE Championship.

“I’m back to 100% now and ready to go. As soon as I get the call, I’m good to go. I’m ready to rock. I’m ready to come back and represent the Philippines,” he said.

Striegl added he doesn’t usually call out an opponent, but if he would have it his way, settling the score with McLaren would be on top of his list.

“He was the better man on that night. I learned a lot from that. There were some things that went wrong in camp [and] some things that I can do better in the future. I won’t make the same mistakes again. Hopefully, I will get an opportunity for that rematch,” he said. – Rappler.com