Coach Sangiao’s sacrifices, hard work pave way for Team Lakay’s success

Team Lakay now has four current ONE world champions after Eduard Folayang regained the lightweight title following a unanimous decision win over Singapore’s Amir Khan in Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mark Sangiao’s ONE Championship dynasty is complete.

With Eduard Folayang capturing his second ONE world lightweight belt, Benguet’s iconic Team Lakay now owns four of the promotion’s titles and it’s thanks in large part to the guidance of Sangiao, who had to give up his own mixed martial arts career for the benefit of his students.

The 39-year-old Sangiao pioneered Team Lakay from a humble gym wherein wushu athletes trained to hone their skills to, arguably, the best stable in Asia.

“Coach should also have a belt,” said Folayang in Filipino after he beat Singapore’s Amir Khan via unanimous decision at the Conquest of Champions card Friday at Mall of Asia Arena. “We have a good team, a good coach, and brilliant people who support us.”

Although Folayang, who celebrated his 35th birthday on Thursday, is just four years younger than Sangiao, but the way he calls his coach bears of utmost respect as if he’s talking to someone much older and wiser than him.

Folayang could simply call Sangiao “Mark” but the way he addresses Team Lakay’s patriarch is borne out of the sacrifice the latter made for the stable.

Sangiao had a promising mixed martial arts career going on a 7-2 start but he decided to hang up his gloves in 2010 to cultivate Benguet’s new breed of fighters.

“When I see these belts, I know that my sacrifice was worth it and I feel that I’m also a champion,” said Sangiao in Filipino.

Of the 11 world champion in ONE, four fighters are under Team Lakay and Sangiao was there to guide Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon, and Joshua Pacio to their respective titles.

“I decided eight years ago and I’m a positive guy so I don’t regret my decision to retire and I’m very happy with it,” said Sangiao.

Folayang said the stable’s success was borne out of the team members’ camaraderie with each other.

“This is unity, just like the Philippines if we all unite we will produce even more golds,” said Folayang (21-6). “We helped each other, and if we have the same vision we will excel in those areas.”