Mark Sangiao’s son is ready to step into the ONE circle.
Eighteen-year-old Jhanlo Sangiao has signed with ONE Championship after an impressive stint in the stable’s promotion.
ONE Championship announced the development on their official website.
“I didn’t expect this. Even when my father gave me the contract, I was confused. I was like, ‘What is this?’ Then I saw the ONE logo, and I read it, and I was in disbelief,” said the native of Baguio City.
“I really can’t explain it, because even when I was a kid, I truly wanted to be here. I wanted to compete like all my kuyas in the gym. So I’m really, really excited.”
Jhanlo will compete in the bantamweight division.
He made his professional debut back in May of 2018, scoring a quick stoppage win against fellow debuting fighter Danilo Dangalan.
He was able to showcase his ground game in his two bouts in 2019. Jhanlo defeated both Hansel Bilog and Cris John Delica via rear naked chokes.
“In my previous competitions in the amateurs, mostly I finish people with my ground-and-pound and submissions, so I guess that’s what people can expect from me. That’s all for now — it’s better if they see it for themselves,” he said.
“When they say Team Lakay, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is, ‘These guys are deadly strikers.’ But for me, I believe I’m a different breed. I’m a part of the new generation that needs to build new weapons.”
Before becoming an esteemed coach, his dad Mark also competed, amassing a 7-2 record in the local scene. Mark’s farewell bout was back in November of 2009.
“Personally, I am just so proud. I’m just delighted that someone will continue my passion and my dream in the world of martial arts,” said Coach Mark.
In ONE Championship, he joins a plethora of Team Lakay athletes, headlined by reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio, Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Geje Eustaquio.
Also in ONE are Lito Adiwang, Honorio Banario, Gina Iniong, Edward Kelly, Danny Kingad, April Osenio, Jenelyn Olsim, and Stephen Loman.
Of course, there will be pressure in following in his stablemates’ footsteps. Still, it’s something the young gun embraces.
“There’s definitely pressure. You can’t deny that. You know people will come to me and tell me, ‘I’ve been waiting for your debut.’ So in my mind, that’s pressure because people expect a lot from you, and you have to be at your best all the time,” he said.
“There’s a lot of expectations on my end. Given that it’s the big stage, there’s pressure on me, but I just have to be ready. I have to be prepared when the opportunity presents itself.”
