Lausa eager to bring Filipino fighting spirit to UFC

Jenel Lausa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jenel Lausa has had only one fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship so far, but the Ilonggo fighter is definitely ready for more.

Following his unanimous decision win over Zhikui Yao in UFC Fight Night 101, Lausa said he’s ready to carry the Philippines to greater heights in the premier mixed martial arts promotion in the world.

“Pag sinasabi Filipino, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko ‘ibang klase’ (When you say Filipino, I say to myself, this is surreal),” said Lausa Wednesday at HID Burgers in Makati. “Nakakamangha kasi ikaw nagdadala sa Pilipinas sa buong mundo (It’s amazing because you represent the Philippines to the whole world).”

READ: PH fighter Lausa dominates Chinese foe in UFC debut

Lausa was the PXC flyweight champion before he fought his first UFC match in Australia.

The first homegrown Filipino fighter in the UFC admits there is pressure to try to live up to the achievements of Filipino-Americans Mark Muñoz and Brandon Vera, but he knows he’s ripe for the big leagues.

“Of course there’s pressure, but after my first fight I know I can make it here,” said Lausa. “For me it’s normal because I’ve been a champion before and I went through challenges before arriving at the UFC.”