By Jun Ray Navarres
Team Lakay’s new generation of fighters has already arrived in ONE Championship.
The 19-year-old MMA prodigy Jhanlo Mark Sangiao joins his brothers in continuing the fabled gym’s legacy in the Singapore based fighting promotion.
“When I was given the contract, I couldn’t believe it. The dream I’ve had since I was young was already here,” Sangiao said.
“I had mixed emotions of nervousness and excitement that I can’t explain it.”
It was not difficult for Sangiao to like the sport since the environment he grew up inspired him to indulge in MMA.
“Ever since I was a kid, I was surrounded by athletes, papa’s students, and his teammates. When he was teaching, he would bring me with him. I think that’s where I got the passion for the sport,” said Jhanlo.
“I was used to seeing them fight and that I also wanted to fight for myself. I wanted to experience that feeling of having my hands raised and winning a match.”
Being the son of Team Lakay founder and a legendary coach Mark Sangiao, Jhanlo grew up watching his kuyas compete inside the Circle and eventually reaching the peak of their divisions.
“Sumasama ako pag may event sa Manila and every time na nanalo sila, nandoon yung fire na gusto ko rin sumali, na gusto ko rin lumaban sa cage. Nandoon yung passion,” said the young fighter.
“I’m very lucky to have teammates who are world champions. They are my motivation and at the same time, they always encourage me during trainings.”
Yet, even before stepping inside the cage, pressure builds up as expectations are high for the young Sangiao.
“There’s also pressure because I just signed with ONE Championship and many people are already looking forward to seeing me fight. They’re asking on social media when my fight is and how strong I am given with my surname,” shared Sangiao.
“This is already the big stage. This is unlike the amateurs. Yes, there are nerves, but that shouldn’t be a reason why I will cower against my opponents. I just continue to train hard to be able to show what my talents are.”
Twelve years after his father hung his gloves for good, Jhanlo will continue coach Mark’s legacy, ready to show a new version of Team Lakay.
“When you see Team Lakay fighters, people always assume that we’re all strikers. Now, expect that this is the new breed. I’ve trained to build new weapons and new skills, not just on the stand-up but also on the ground game,” shared the younger Sangiao.
“I only have one goal – to be a world champion and be successful like my brothers. I dream to be one of the legends too, like Demetrious [Johnson].”
“If you ask if I think I can be a champion, I don’t say ‘I think’. I know I can,” concluded Sangiao.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
