Team Lakay chief looking forward to healthy competition against former wards
Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao welcomed the opening of a new gym by his former wards as it will help further develop martial arts in the region.
Sangiao added with a new MMA gym in town, he looks forward to having healthy competition whether in local or in international events.
“I wish them luck and hope to have a healthy competition with them soon,” said Sangiao.
The Team Lakay top honcho added he is also keen on inviting the newly formed MMA team to their upcoming events that include the upcoming 38th Lakay Grapplers Cup slated July 9 as part of the Sen. Sonny Angara – Benguet Friendship Games to be held at the BSU Gym, in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Focusing on clinching and ground fighting, the Team Lakay grappling tournament aims to develop MMA fighters in their submission skills through the use of submission holds which brings together techniques from folk wrestling, judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, jujutsu (of the traditional form), and sambo.
The event also aims to develop the skills of local MMA enthusiasts and prepare them for higher levels of combative sports.
Team Lakay is also expected to hold another MMA tournament later this year as a follow-up to the resounding success of the Kabayan Fury 1 which bannered 10 up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters across the country.
Since Team Lakay was formed, some of its fighters have also built their own gym including Dave Galera who manages Gridlock Gym, siblings Jenelyn and Jerry Olsim who is set to open Graceful Bokodian Lions Martial Arts Gym and the recently opened Landslide Martial Arts Training Center/Lions Nation MMA.
Current ONE Championship bantamweight title contender Stephen Loman, who is still with Team Lakay, also manages Sniper Gym.
Loman is expected to see action later this year in what could be a possible title match with reigning champion Fabrico Andrade.
Even with the recent events, Sangiao said he is thankful to Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap and Fairtex for their continued support of the team. Team Lakay PR
