Team Lakay continued to expand its reach in the Asian mixed martial arts scene when they made their debut on the 30th anniversary tour show of Shooto last Monday, 6 May in Tokyo, Japan.
Although the young trio of Jared Almazan, Jerome Wanawan and Jean Claude Saclag dropped their respective battles, it was still considered a huge step for Philippine mixed martial arts as very few foreigners are given a chance to perform on that stage.
For Mark Sangiao, he is grateful his athletes were given this chance as it prepares his stalwarts for bigger stages — such as ONE, if things go well in the future.
“I think it’s a big thing because now, they’re being more open to us,” the Team Lakay head coach explained.
“Before, only a few foreigners fought at this stage, so we’re thankful to be here. We just wanted to expand as well.
“This is only the beginning, and we are hoping that we can develop a very good relationship with Shooto, like what we have with ONE, so we can continuously send athletes abroad.”
Wanawan suffered a knockout loss to Ryohei Kuosawa, while Almazan was likewise finished, as he lost to Koha Minowa via third-round submission.
Saclag had a better showing than his two teammates against Ryo Okada, but he eventually dropped a decision.
“Even though we did not get a win, our new athletes were able to gain significant experience,” Sangiao continued.
“Jean Claude and Jared were making their international debuts, and Jerome last fought five years ago.”
Though the results did not swing in their favor, Sangiao sees this as another way of further developing more world-class athletes in the team.
“It’s a beautiful learning experience for them. I’m sure they gained a lot, considering the level of the athletes in Shooto,” he continued.
“I’m sure we left a very good impression on them, the mixed martial arts community in Japan, and all the fans.”
