Jahn Serbo isn’t just chasing personal glory as he competes for the inaugural Zeus Combat League (ZCL) strawweight championship this weekend.
“The Prince” is ready to take on Fernando Venues in a five-round duel for the honor of becoming the promotion’s first-ever king of the 115-pound division at ZCL 2: Supremacy on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Baguio City native has every reason to feel excited as he stands on the verge of securing his first strap as a mixed martial artist in his budding career.
But for Serbo, it’s about more than individual accolades. He aims to bring pride and prestige back to his team – Lions Nation MMA.
“We already have a strawweight world champion in Kuya Joshua [Pacio], along with several former champions in our ranks. So why not add another to the mix? I want to win this one for the team,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
This La Trinidad, Benguet-based stable is already home to a number of Filipino superstars who have captured world titles, including Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario, and Stephen Loman.
Adding another championship belt to the walls of the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center – the group’s headquarters – fuels Serbo’s desire to leave the SM North Edsa Sky Dome in Quezon City with gold around his waist.
“Many people tend to overlook the fact that our team is still quite young. While we do have veterans who have won titles at both international and local levels, this is a new team embarking on a new chapter,” he said.
“We’re working diligently to elevate our team’s profile, and if luck is on our side, winning the ZCL title would be a significant contribution to that effort.”
While Serbo undoubtedly has the right support system to prepare him for this monumental challenge, the pressure to deliver is just as significant.
Despite having accomplished teammates to guide him, he knows that once the cage door closes on Saturday, it’s up to him to turn his dream of becoming a champion into reality.
“Absolutely, there’s pressure. However, I see it as an advantage because the roadmap is already laid out. I greatly appreciate the guidance I receive from them, but ultimately, it’s my responsibility to put it into action,” he said.
Serbo understands that claiming the crown would solidify his status as one of Philippine MMA’s most promising prospects, but his ultimate goal is to win the title for those who have helped him reach this moment.
“I’m here today thanks to Lions Nation MMA. I never anticipated receiving this opportunity, and I’m showing my gratitude by bringing home the title,” he concluded.
