Jhanlo Mark Sangiao: More Mature, More Dangerous for ONE Championship Return
The fighting DNA of Team Lakay runs strong in Jhanlo Mark Sangiao. As the son of legendary head coach Mark Sangiao, expectations have always been sky-high for this Filipino prospect. Now, as Jhanlo prepares for his highly anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage next month, his father sees something different in his eyes – a newfound maturity that could spell trouble for his opponents.
Father and Coach: Mark Sangiao’s Dual Perspective
It’s not easy being both a father and a coach to a rising MMA star. Mark Sangiao has somehow managed this delicate balance with his son Jhanlo, pushing him to new heights while providing the emotional support only a father can give.
“I’ve seen significant changes in Jhanlo’s approach to training,” Mark told me in an exclusive interview. “He’s not just going through the motions anymore. There’s purpose behind every punch, every kick, every grappling session. That comes with maturity.”
This isn’t just proud dad talk. Mark Sangiao has developed some of the Philippines’ greatest MMA talents through Team Lakay. When he speaks about a fighter’s development, the MMA world listens.
The Evolution of Jhanlo Mark Sangiao
At just 22 years old, Jhanlo already boasts an impressive 6-1 professional record. His ONE Championship journey began with a bang when he secured a first-round rear-naked choke victory over Paul Lumihi in December 2021. However, like any young fighter, he’s faced his share of challenges.
Jhanlo’s last appearance in the cage showed flashes of brilliance but also revealed areas for improvement. According to sources close to Team Lakay, the young Sangiao has spent the intervening months addressing those weaknesses with laser focus.
What’s Changed in Jhanlo’s Approach?
- Mental fortitude: Developing the psychological toughness to push through adversity
- Strategic patience: Learning when to explode and when to conserve energy
- Technical refinement: Sharpening his already formidable striking and grappling skills
I’ve watched Jhanlo’s training videos from the past few months, and the difference is stark. There’s a calmness to his movements now, a deliberate quality that wasn’t as pronounced before. He’s moving less like an athletic young prospect and more like a calculated veteran.
Team Lakay’s Evolving Legacy
Team Lakay has long been known for producing strikers with devastating wushu backgrounds. However, the team has worked diligently in recent years to round out their fighters’ skill sets, particularly in the grappling department.
Jhanlo represents this new generation of Team Lakay fighters – still carrying that thunderous striking power but complemented by a more sophisticated ground game. His submission victory in his ONE debut wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement about the evolution of Filipino MMA.
| Traditional Team Lakay Fighter | New Generation (Like Jhanlo) |
|---|---|
| Wushu-dominant striking | Balanced striking with technical improvements |
| Limited grappling | Offensive and defensive grappling proficiency |
| High-pace, aggressive style | Strategic pacing with calculated aggression |
What to Expect in Jhanlo’s Upcoming Fight
While ONE Championship hasn’t officially announced Jhanlo’s opponent, rumors suggest he’ll be facing a tough test in his return bout. Regardless of who stands across from him in the cage, fans should expect to see a more composed, tactically sound version of the young Filipino.
“He’s still going to bring that exciting style that fans love,” Mark Sangiao emphasized. “But now there’s more thought behind his actions. He understands the stakes at this level of competition.”
I’ve seen enough young prospects to know when one is ready to take the next step. From everything I’m hearing out of the Team Lakay camp, Jhanlo isn’t just prepared to return – he’s ready to make a statement.
The Pressure of the Sangiao Name
Carrying your father’s legacy into battle isn’t easy. For Jhanlo, every fight comes with the added weight of the Sangiao name. Rather than running from this pressure, sources close to the fighter say he’s embracing it.
“I don’t think about proving anything to anyone else,” Jhanlo reportedly told teammates. “I’m focused on becoming the best version of myself. The results will follow.”
This mental shift is perhaps the clearest sign of his maturity. Fighting to prove yourself to others is exhausting; fighting for personal growth is sustainable.
Why This Fight Matters for Filipino MMA
The Philippines has a passionate MMA fanbase that has rallied behind Team Lakay for years. With former champions like Eduard Folayang and Kevin Belingon moving toward the latter stages of their careers, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the next generation.
Jhanlo Mark Sangiao, along with other young Filipino talents, represents the future of the country’s MMA scene. His success or failure in ONE Championship will have ripple effects throughout the regional fight community.
If his father’s assessment is accurate – that we’re about to see a more mature, focused Jhanlo – then Filipino fight fans have plenty to be excited about.
Mark Your Calendars for Jhanlo’s Return
ONE Championship hasn’t released the exact date for Jhanlo’s return fight, but it’s expected to take place next month. For hardcore MMA fans, particularly those following the Asian fight scene, this is one bout you won’t want to miss.
I’ll be cageside for this one, providing live updates as this young phenom looks to take the next step in what could be a championship-caliber career. The question isn’t if Jhanlo has the talent – we know he does. The question is whether this new, mature approach will translate to an even more dominant performance.
My prediction? The Sangiao legacy is in good hands.
Source: ABS-CBN