Sangiao confident of Olsim’s strength ahead of ONE debut

Team Lakay’s Jenelyn Olsim. ONE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao has led several fighters to championship glory and has always had a keen eye on talent be it a prospect or a certified champion.

His newest protege Jenelyn Olsim has yet to break it into the ONE Championship main roster but Sangiao feels that his strawweight fighter has what it takes to flourish in the promotion.

“As an athlete, Jenelyn Olsim is very driven. She has that lion heart and iron will, a fighter who doesn’t give up easily even if she’s already physically and mentally at her limit. That’s the kind of fighter we breed here at Team Lakay, and Jenelyn has all the qualities necessary to be successful in this sport,” said Sangiao.

“As a person, she’s very nice, though she doesn’t talk too much. She has that Ibaloi Igorot trademark, which means ‘shy kami mango’ (Ibaloi people are shy).”

Olsim was a product of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series, just like Team Lakay stablemate Lito Adiwang, and holds a 3-2 record.

Her main roster debut would be against no.5 contender Maria Mazar of Brazil, who trains in Singapore’s Evolve MMA, in ONE: Fists of Fury III that will air on March 19.

Sangiao has coached ONE champions Joshua Pacio, Honorio Banario, Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon, and Eduard Folayang and he said that he’s already come up with a plan for Olsim to make a statement in the promotion.

“Regardless of where or what gym our opponents come from, we always see other athletes as worthy. We can’t underestimate anyone in this game. I have no doubt that Maira Mazar will come very equipped, but we are also. We’ll put up a good fight and a good show. I’m confident in Jenelyn,” said Sangiao.

“When two great athletes come together to compete in the Circle, it’s always fun for the fans. We’re ready to bring home the victory.”