Jenel “The Demolition Man” Lausa (6-2) was a picture of confidence and amiability during the UFC Promotional Tour for UFC Fight Night Manila 2: Lamas vs. Penn last Saturday at the SM Megamall.
Lausa will also be making his UFC debut after having signed a lucrative contract with the world’s premier MMA organization, which guarantees four fights in the 20 months.
Admittedly, this is the biggest opportunity for the boxer-turned-MMA-fighter, but he is heading into the SM Mall of Asia Arena confident in his familiarity with big fights.
“Wala namang kaba. Nakalaban na rin naman ako sa arena na maraming taong sumisigaw, nagsasalita kaya alam ko na ‘yung feeling. Mas excited nga ako,” Lausa told reporters.
“Pero iba talaga ang level ng nga fighter sa UFC. Mas, siguro, kumpleto sila kaya kailangan maghanda ng maigi at mag-focus lang.”
Lausa copped the PXC flyweight championship last January and followed it up with a fairly successful stint in the ring.
During the promotional tour, Lausa also displayed his chops in an open workout. He gamely struck pads and grappled in front of hundreds of local fans.
If his Chinese opponent decides to take the ground to the mat, Lausa says that he is going to make it tough for Yao before he gets taken down.
“Nagsisimula naman ang lahat ng laban ng nakatayo muna tapos striking. Siyempre hindi naman natin hahayaang ma-takedown tayo agad. Confident naman ako sa defense ko,” Lausa admitted.
Now in a different chapter of his career, Lausa is looking to make the most out of the blessings he has earned.
“Sobrang thankful ko na nabigyan ako ng ganitong opportunity. Malaking pasalamat ko sa mga organization na pinaglabanan ko bago dito. Ngayon na nandito na ako, bibigay ko na ang lahat.
“Sana maraming sumuporta sa event sa October din,” Lausa entreated.
