Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao would rather look at the positives after his students fell short in the 30th anniversary tour show of Shooto in Tokyo Japan.
Jared Almazan, Jerome Wanawan, and Jean Claude Saclag dropped their respective matches in their Shooto debut on May 6, but Sangiao said it’s the experience that was more valuable to them.
“I think it’s a big thing because now they’re being more open to us,” said Sangiao. “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 another opportunity for us to showcase our talents and maybe send more athletes in the global stage through ONE.”
Shooto and ONE Championship announced a partnership in January where the Japanese promotion’s World Champions will get an automatic spot in the roster in the global mixed martial arts company.
It would’ve been an instant springboard for Sangiao’s newer fighters, but all three would have to make do with what they’ve learned in Tokyo.
Wanawan suffered a knockout loss to Ryohei Kuosawa while Almazan tapped out to Koha Minowa.
Saclag finished the match but lost to Ryo Okada via unanimous decision.
Sangiao, though, remained optimistic with his student’s early foray into Japan.
“It’s a beautiful learning experience for them, I’m sure they gained a lot considering the level of athletes in Shooto,” said Sangiao.