MMA fan Ancajas proud to see compatriots shine in ONE

Jerwin Ancajas poses for a photo with Team Lakay standouts Gina Iniong, Honorio Banario and Kevin Belingon. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/INQUIRER.net

A confessed mixed martial arts fan, Jerwin Ancajas, WBA super featherweight champion, truly enjoyed his time watching ONE: Heroes of Honor Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“This is my first time watching it live because before, I only watch this on TV,” Ancajas said as he joined Team Lakay bets Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario, and Gina Iniong in the post-fight press conference.

Ancajas even entered the ring and raised Banario’s hand after his split decision victory over Adrian Pang in the night’s co-main event.

“It really feels different watching it live. I was really happy seeing Gina, Honorio, and Kevin win. I was shouting the whole time,” he said.

But don’t expect the 26-year-old southpaw to enter the MMA circuit soon, even with the ONE Super Series set to stage boxing fights in future dates.

“I’m just really a fan of ONE Championship. I’m just thankful for the guys who invited me here,” he said.

Ancajas, though, is just happy to see his compatriots make a name for themselves in the mixed martial arts field, especially in ONE, the same way he’s slowly building his name in boxing.

“For me, ONE has really grown, and with the ONE Super Series, it will be better for the boxers because there’s only a handful of promoters left. So for me, I feel it would really help the other Filipino boxers in the long run,” he said.