"Those boys out there are pretty big" - Reece McLaren says he has left the bantamweight division for good

Former ONE bantamweight MMA world title challenger Reece McLaren has no plans to move back up to the 145-pound division.

The CMBT Training Center athlete has spent the past eight years working in the promotion's flyweight division, and he doesn't see the point of stepping outside his comfort zone to go back up, especially since he is at the lower end of the bantamweight limit.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post, the No.4-ranked flyweight contender said:

"Those boys out there are pretty big. They're moving some weight to get down to bantamweight."

While he thinks he may have lacked the size and power to hang with the bigger boys, 'Lightning' did his bit to impress there.

The 33-year-old earned back-to-back victories against Muin Gafurov and Mark Striegl to book a world title shot against then-kingpin Bibiano Fernandes. Reece McLaren went the distance with the Brazilian veteran, only losing by a split decision in their December 2016 meeting.

Watch the full interview here:

---

Reece McLaren hopes to get another shot at ONE gold at flyweight

Since dropping down to flyweight, Reece McLaren has continued to build his brand and remind everyone why he's one of the most entertaining martial artists on the ONE Championship roster.

'Lightning' has racked up seven victories, and while another run at 26 pounds of gold hasn't arrived, he's certain it could turn to reality if he passes his next test.

The 33-year-old faces Jarred Brooks at ONE Fight Night 26 inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, December 6.

Even former divisional king Adriano Moraes gave his seal of approval, saying McLaren has waited long enough to vie for the vacant crown. And as long as McLaren gets his hand raised, everyhing should go to plan for the Australian veteran.

North American fans can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 26 card live in U.S. primetime for free.