Just days after capturing the Zeus Combat League (ZCL) strawweight championship, Jahn Serbo still finds himself pinching his arm in disbelief, wondering if he’s caught in a daydream.
The 26-year-old Baguio City native ascended to the divisional throne at last weekend’s ZCL 2: Supremacy, submitting seasoned opponent Fernando Venus in the second round.
Jahn Serbo, McLeary Ornido demolish foes to capture ZCL titles
As he revels in the glory of this monumental achievement, he reflects on how unimaginable this moment once seemed. The adoration he now receives as “The Prince” of the renowned Lions Nation MMA stable feels worlds apart from where he began.
“I still can’t believe that all of this happened. I admit that it hasn’t really sunk in for me,” Serbo told Tiebreaker Times.
His passion for combat sports blossomed at a young age, nurtured by growing up in a martial arts-loving household alongside Joshua Pacio and Aaron Posawen.
Under the guidance of Pacio’s uncle, Ray Matthews Duclayan, in their humble home in San Fernando, La Union, the three aspiring fighters dreamed of becoming champions.
When Pacio rose to prominence on the global stage and eventually claimed a world title, Serbo realized that his “Kuya” had laid out a path for him to follow.
Initially, Serbo started strong, racking up four consecutive victories and becoming a fixture in Benguet-based competitions.
However, over time, he gradually took a backseat, assisting his then-teammates and working behind the scenes.
To support himself, he accepted a job as an MMA class instructor, receiving only ₱3,000 a month.
Despite genuinely celebrating his comrades’ successes, Serbo found himself questioning whether he would ever get his own opportunity.
In 2023, when he learned that Pacio was forming a new group with Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Honorio Banario, Serbo jumped at the chance to join them.
“I told myself back then that wherever Kuya Joshua was, that’s where I would go, hoping to somehow get my big break. By the grace of God, my decision turned out to be the right one,” he stated.
It wasn’t long before Serbo showcased his talent in front of a much wider audience as he was selected as one of the up-and-comers booked for ZCL’s debut extravaganza this past May.
There, he left an indelible impression by defeating Arsenio Balisacan — a mixed martial artist with previous experience under the ONE Friday Fights banner — using his signature triangle choke in the first round.
Serbo then solidified his status as an emerging athlete to watch out for at ZCL 2: Supremacy, where he took home the gold-plated strap with the same submission hold that had earned him the title shot.
The submission that earned him a title shot is the same one that crowned him as the inaugural ZCL strawweight champion.
Jahn Serbo captured the title by forcing Fernando Venus to tap out with his signature triangle choke in the second round at ZCL 2: Supremacy. pic.twitter.com/ml7Kf35IkS
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) October 27, 2024
Even now, Serbo finds it hard to believe the events that unfolded that evening at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome in Quezon City.
“It’s a completely different feeling when you’re actually holding the title. I can’t help but ask myself if this is all real,” he shared.
With a coveted belt now wrapped around his waist, he acknowledges that this is merely the beginning of the real work.
“Now that there’s a champion, everyone wants a chance to compete for this belt of mine. So I need to prepare for the possible challengers and further hone my skills and techniques,” Serbo said.
As he gears up for what comes next, Serbo embraces his accomplishment, cherishing the experience that was once just a reverie.
“For now, I’m just going to enjoy this achievement. I’ve waited a long time for this. I even thought it would never happen in my life,” he mentioned.
Today, Serbo stands proudly as the inaugural ZCL strawweight titleholder.
In fact, he continues to teach young students at Folayang’s Landslide Martial Arts Training Center — the home base of Lions Nation MMA — now earning a significantly better wage.
His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, illustrating how he transformed from an overlooked prospect into an undeniable champion.
