Olsim's power guillotine made it to ONE's top MMA Submission Victories Of 2021’s 1st Quarter

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - World largest martial arts organization ONE Championship has released the top 5 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Submission Victories for the first quarter of 2021. 

The stunning victory of Igorota fighter Jenelyn made it to the top 3 after submitting Maira Mazar during the ONE: Fists of Fury III on March 19, 2021 in Singapore. 

WATCH: Igorota fighter Jenelyn Olsim wins via Guillotine Choke in Singapore

Included in the list of top 5 MMA submissions were the battle between Shinya Aoki and James Nakashima in top 1 followed by Gadzhimurad Abdulaev vs Zebastian Kadestam in top 2. 

The bout between Victoria Lee vs Sunisa Srisen and Ryuto Sawada vs Robin Catalan were in top 4 and top 5 respectively.

Here's ONE Championship take on Jenelyn Olsim's top 3 MMA Submission Victory:

Jenelyn Olsim capped a fine debut with a third-round victory over #5-ranked women’s strawweight Maira Mazar  ONE: FISTS OF FURY III on 19 March.

Olsim’s striking was her biggest weapon for much of the match, but her route to victory came with a slick power guillotine submission.

Mazar initiated the clinch before a flurry of straight punches, but as she latched onto Olsim’s leg to look for a takedown, she neglected to protect her neck. The Filipina slipped her right arm underneath the Brazilian’s chin and fed her head into the left bicep.

Knowing she was in danger, the Evolve representative dragged things to the ground in an attempt to defend. Still, Olsim stayed glued to her attack and rolled Mazar over – with the added pressure quickly drawing out the Brazilian’s white flag.

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WATCH: Igorota fighter Jenelyn Olsim wins via Guillotine Choke in Singapore

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Igorota fighter from Team Lakay in Baguio City submits Maira Mazar of Brazil via Submission (Guillotine choke) at "ONE: Fists of Fury 3" in Singapore on Friday evening.

The 24-year old who recently signed with ONE Championship scored an early upset-of-the-year candidate after submitting No. 5-ranked strawweight Maira Mazar in the 3rd round. 

Olsim has been known for he powerful striking skill and this has been seen during the bout when she took Mazar to the ground with a straight punch right on the face early on the 1st round.

Shen then scored another knockdown in 2:19 in followed by a second round knockdown via a front kick. 

The Igorota power puncher has now improved her record with 4 wins and 2 looses.

With her newest big win in ONE, Olsim is interested to put her name on the rankings to fight the likes of Ayakara Miura, Michelle Nicolini and Tiffany Teo

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Lara Pearl Alvarez - First Igorota to join world's top reality game show "The Apprentice"

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Proud Cordilleran Lara Pearl Alvarez is one of the two Filipino bets who joined the ONE Championship's edition of the hit reality television series "The Apprentice" hosted by ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sidyothong. 

Alvarez wanted to become an inspiration to her countrymen and to people around the world that's why she joined the "The Apprentice".

The proud Igorota of Team Lakay, a former wushu practitioner who hails from the city of Baguio dedicates her participation to her one-year-old son Marcuz David.

“I just wanted to give my son a better life, that’s what compelled me to try and audition for The Apprentice,” said Alvarez. “At the time, I didn’t really imagine I could get in. But I was determined to give it a shot. So when I got the news that I was accepted, I was in shock. I just couldn’t believe it. But I was super happy I got in, and from there, I was motivated to succeed.” Alvarez said.

Alvarez got pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend when she was 22 years old. Such misfortune didn't stop her to pursue her dreams to become an accountant. She took the role as a single mother for her child while studying and training with Team Lakay.

READ ALSO: Ifugao fighter Loman leaves Brave to join Team Lakay brothers in ONE Championship

Soon, a wonderful opportunity knocked on her door, she was among the 16 candidates from 11 countries that were announced to join the global hit TV reality show.

"I've been trough a whole lot, and everything I've done so far is for my son to have a better life. Up to now, I still can't believe I was on The Apprentice. I'm glad I took a chance. It's made me a stronger person, and a better mother today," Alvarez said. 

Alvarez had come to realize that being a single mother is not a setback but a blessing for those who don't gave up on their dreams.

"I've gained more confidence in myself. I think I've proven that being a single mother is not a setback. It is far from a setback. It's a blessing because I was able to push myself harder. It gave me the strength to push past my limits," Alvarez added. 

Watch the trailer of the upcoming "The Apprentice" - ONE Championship Edition

“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is touted as the toughest version in the show’s history, consisting of both business and physical challenges.

It premieres on March 18, 2021 on AXN, the show's official Asian broadcast partner.

The reality show will also be available on other platforms and TV networks across Asia in March, including MediaCorp (Singapore), Abema (Japan), KompasTV (Indonesia), Amarin TV (Thailand), LINE TV (Thailand), TV5 Network (Philippines), and HTV (Vietnam).

Another Baguio-born candidate who joined the "The Apprentice" is Louie Sangalang, a former URCC undefeated featherweight champion.

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Ifugao fighter Loman leaves Brave to join Team Lakay brothers in ONE Championship

Photo Courtesy || Mark Sangiao & One Championship

Cordillera - The longest reigning BRAVE Combat Federation Bantamweight champion Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is leaving his throne to join his Lakay teammates in ONE Championship. 

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao on a post on Facebook has confirmed the news last night.

"Stephen Loman is one of the best fighters in the Philippines. His all-around skills will be on full display in ONE Championship. I spoke to Stephen and he's highly motivated right now. He can't wait to get in the Circle and put on a show. Of course, I'll be there for him, as well as all of his teammates at Team Lakay, every step of the way," Sangiao said.

The undefeated fighter of Brave CF  has also confirmed the news.

“It’s an overwhelming opportunity, but I’m excited to join my Team Lakay brothers in the biggest martial arts organization in the world," Loman said.

Loman is departing the Middle East promotion with 13 wins and 2 defeats making him the biggest star in the promotion. 

Joining ONE champion would present a new challenge for Loman but would be a great new environment to showcase his skills in the cage. 

"I’m excited to enhance my skills on this platform and showcase my style to millions of viewers across the globe. Of course, fighting in a new promotion and a new environment will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m more than willing to face. I’m ready to show ONE Championship fans the best of Stephen Loman," he added.

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Igorot "Thunder Kid" to face the "Wolf" of China in ONE: Unbreakable

Photo Courtesy || Mark Sangiao

Cordillera - Team Lakay mixed martial artist Lito "The Thunder Kid Adiwang is schedule to face tough Chinese fighter "Wolf of the Grassland" Hexigetu in ONE: Unbreakable. 

Set on January 22, 2021, the young fighter from Cordillera will be the first Filipino athlete to compete in the first line-up of bouts this year in the ONE Championship fight card. 

Adiwang suffered his first defeat in ONE Championship when he lost to Japanese fighter Hiroba Minowa at ONE: Inside The Matrix III last year in Singapore. 

Many have considered that Adiwang should have won the bout and asking for a rematch considering that the fight was very close. 

For the Chinese fighter Hexigetu, he is looking his way in to MMA's world ranking. 

With a record of 8-4-0, Hexigetu holds the 2015 CMPC Fighter of The Year when he defeated Ramon Gonzalez and former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor. Amnuaysirichoke. 

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Russian Consul Alexey Barmin says Team Lakay's conditioning, strength are top notch

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - On January 9, 2021, the Russian Consul of the Russian Embassy in the Philippines, Alexey Barmin visited Team Lakay Central Gym for a workout and training. 

The Russian Consul was impressed with Team Lakay conditioning and strength after five rounds of training with Team Lakay head coach Jaybe Ban-eg.

Mr. Barmin said, the conditioning and strength from the gym is top notch and made him improve a lot.

Team Lakay is home to some of the greatest Filipino Mixed Martial Artists. 

Their training takes advantage of the high altitude of Baguio city which is around 1,500 meters above sea level. 

That's one of the reason Team Lakay fighters can finish 5 rounds of boxing inside the ring unexhausted and still feeling strong. 

More than that, Team Lakay is a family where coaches, trainers and fighters work together to achieve their goals.

Headed by multi-awarded coach Mr. Mark Sangiao, the team has produced world champions in the names of Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario, Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon and Joshua Pacio.

Watch this documentary produced by ONE Championship to get to know more about this great team of Cordillera.

Show your support, subscribe to Team Lakay YT Channel @  https://www.youtube.com/c/TeamLakay/

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WATCH: Filipino MMA fighters from Cordillera who are masters of 'Spinning Back Kick'

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - The spinning back kick technique in Mixed Martial Arts is one of the dominant weapon utilized by Team Lakay fighters over the years. 

In fact, the technique has been one of their signatures and has helped them earned memorable knockout wins in ONE Championship history. 

Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin Belingon used the spinning back kick in his previous fights, notably against Andrew Leone during ONE: Heroes of Honor on April 2018. The kick was so powerful that Leone was flying across the corner of the ring.

Inspired by Belingon's success in utilizing the spinning back kick, former ONE World flyweight champion Geje Eustaguio got a TKO victory against Toni Tauru with a vicious spinning heel kick. Tauru was not able to continue the fight after suffering a painful kick to the side of his solar plexus.

As shared by Belingon, what makes the spinning back kick so powerful and vicious is the heel, as it carries tremendous amount of impact. When landed perfectly, that impact can shatter ribs.

Some notable Team Lakay fighters who took advantage of this technique are ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio, former ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang and Lito Adiwang. 

Watch the seven-minute video compilation of Team Lakay's Best Spinning Back Kick by ONE Championship below

Read Also: 

Joshua Pacio named among 10 Best MMA fighters in the World by Black Belt Magazine

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Honorio Banario: The first Igorot/Filipino to become MMA World Champion

Photo Courtesy || One Championship & Honorio Banario

Cordillera - Martial arts has been a big contributor in helping a then  young Banario of Mankayan, Benguet fulfill his dream to become successful in life. 

The former One Featherweight World Champion entered the world of martials arts at the age of 16 to help him overcome his low self-esteem and prevent him from vice. 

Banario started his career in MMA when he earned wushu scholarship at the Cordillera Career Development College in La Trinidad. 

During that time, he won numerous wushu tournaments until he was invited by coach Mark Sangiao to join Team Lakay to improve his skills in Mixed Martial Arts. 

Entering Team Lakay was a right decision for Banario as he won his first six bouts in his early career. That opened him an opportunity to fight under ONE Championship promotion and during the process he has scored the biggest win of his career when he dethroned undefeated Eric Kelly. 

Defeating Kelly in the fourth round helped him become the inaugural ONE Featherweight World Champion.

The Igorot champion credits his toughness in the ring to growing in a farm where he helped his parent plant vegetables. 

Banario said in ONE, "When I was young, going to the farm was not mandatory. You could go if you wanted to, go home if you're tired, rest, and then go back again. It was like I was playing because I was young and I didn't see it as a responsibility for me."

"It was hard, but I always thought of it as playing, so that's why I never felt the pressure of going to the farm or saw it as hard work, and I actually enjoyed it instead," he added.

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Joshua Pacio named among 10 Best MMA fighters in the World by Black Belt Magazine

Photo Courtesy || One Championship, Black Belt & Joshua Pacio

Cordillera - Igorot mixed martial artist Joshua "The Passion" Pacio was recently included in the list of top 10 "Best MMA Fighters in the World Right Now" by Black Belt Magazine.

Black Belt is an American magazine covering martial arts and combat sports. It is based in Valencia, California, and is one of the oldest titles dedicated to martial arts in the United States.

The 24-year old Pacio of Benguet has been dubbed "one of the most exciting athletes of today" because of his impressive performance every time he steps inside the cage.

"ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is one of the most exciting athletes in the sport today. Each time the Filipino steps inside the ONE Circle, he is looking to add another finish to his impressive highlights reel as he continues to help grow the sport in The Philippines with each and every performance. The Team Lakay representative is not just building his legacy in ONE, but in his homeland, as he becomes a bigger star and inspires a new generation," the magazine quoted.

The US-based publication also recognized the Igorot warrior in his contribution in inspiring the younger Filipino generation.

Here are the top 10 Best MMA Fighters in the World right now:

Demetrious Johnson

Jon Jones

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Angela Lee

Christian Lee

Amanda Nunes

Israel Adesanya

Joshua Pacio

Adriano Moraes

Stipe Miocic

Pacio was also named among ESPN's  top MMA fighters under 25.

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Lito Adiwang dedicates upcoming fight to terminally ill mother

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - "I need to win this for her". These are the words of Team Lakay Lito Adiwang as a commitment to win his upcoming fight this Friday. 

Adiwang will be fighting, with his mom in his mind. Her mother has been suffering from stroke since 2016 and got worsened last year. 

"In 2016, she had her first stroke. She had to use crutches. In 2019, it got worse. She suffered stroke and half of her body was paralyzed. From there, her health continued to deteriorate until 2020, she became bedridden," Adiwang said via ONE Championship.

The doctor told Adiwang's family to be prepared for the worst and to be tough because  her mother's remaining days are numbered.

This coming Friday, Adiwang returns to ONE Championship cage against Hiroba Minowa of Japan in ONE: Inside the Matrix III in Singapore. 

If Adiwang had one wish for her mom, that is to travel the world  with her. 

"One of my dream is to bring her out of the country, to all these places I've already been to," Adiwang said. 

Although he felt that opportunity could not happen due to her present condition, Adiwang continued to show his support and love to her mother and promised to be a better son. 

Watch his interview below:

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Cordilleran MMA fighter Eduard Folayang remains one of the best in the world

Photo Courtesy || ONE

Cordillera - ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has said in a statement that Baguio's sensation Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang is very fresh, strong, very athletic and intelligent as a response to critics who said the Cordilleran fighter needs to step away from boxing for good. 

The 35-year-old, former two-time lightweight king has struggled to get back to the winning side after recording three losses from his last fights. 

But ONE boss believes that the Cordilleran warrior still has the power and the will to come back, and he didn't believe a fight with Caruso will be his last.

"The truth is he's still very fresh and very strong and very athletic and very intelligent. I don't believe this is Eduard's last fight, Sityodtong said. 

"I think Eduard is still there, skill wise, mentally and physically. He is still up there. He might not be in the official rankings but he is still up there," ONE boss added. 

Folayang is set to share the ring with Australian fighter Caruso in ONE: Into The Matrix on October 30 in Singapore. 

The live fight will be broadcast live from the Singapore Stadium. 

In the main event, reigning ONE middleweight and ONE light heavyweight world champion Aung La "The Burmes Python" N Sang of Myanmar will defend his middleweight title against top contender Reinier "The Dutch Knight" de Ridder of The Netherlands. 

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Honorio 'The Rock' Banario defeats Thai foe via split decision

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - iMankayan mixed martial artist Honorio 'The Rock' Banario made a successful return to the featherweight division after defeating Shannon Wiratchai of Thailand via split decision. 

The Igorot fighter has proven that he has not yet slowed down in the mixed martial sports after showing great improvement in the fight against Wiratchai during their match-up in ONE: King of the Jungle on Friday night in Singapore. 

His successful return in the featherweight division helped him break his three-fight losing streak from his previous fight. 

Banario invested heavily in his ground and pound strategy to keep Wiratchai on the ground, mainly in the later part of their bout. 

The former ONE featherweight champion improved his record with 15 wins and 10 losses. 

Congratulations Honorio Banario

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Igorot MMA figther Lito Adiwang is unstoppable, defeats Thai foe via Kimura lock in 1st round

Cordillera - Cordilleran MMA prospect Lito Adiwang proved once again that he deserved to be included in ONE Championship - the largest global sports media property in Asia after defeating his Thai opponent early in the first round. 

Adiwang didn't waste his time in the round, unleashing thunderous strikes to the head and body of Mitsatit of Thailand.

It didn't take long for Adiwang to submit his Thai opponent via kimura lock in 3:02 mark in the first round. 

His submission victory has earned him another point to up his impressive winning streak to seven with six wins came via submission and knockout.

Young and new to ONE Championship, Adiwang believed in the importance of training the mind and believing in your capability. 

"Ever since I matured in mixed martial arts, the key was really my mindset," Adiwang said. 

"No matter how strong you are , or how good you are, I'll put my mind that I can beat you anyway." he added.

The Baguio-based fighter training out of Team Lakay stable join Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series, and since then proved that he is going straight to becoming a world champion someday. 

WATCH: Joshua Pacio defeats Silva via split decision. 

His recent victory over Mitsatit had put him in a conversation for the strawweigth world championship bout that could happen any time soon.

Congratulations Lito Adiwang.

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Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad motivated for World Title match in 2020

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - One of the best Filipino Mixed Martial Artist Danny Kingad is eyeing for a World Title shot this coming year 2020. To fulfill his dream, he has to beat every tough opponents on the way and win every single match. 

For Kingad, achieving that goal could not be as challenging as the first time he campaigned for the world title in the previous year. 

Joining the World Grand Prix and facing top-caliber athletes in the likes of Senzo Ikeda, Reece McLaren and Demetrious Johnson have been a great test of his ability to go for another challenge. 

In his interview with ONE Championship, Kingad admits joining the World Grand Prix have helped him learned to improve some of his weakness. 

"I learned a lot, I was against top-caliber athletes who were able to make me realize some of my weakness, which I continuously work on to improve. Every bout is different, with each of them having strengths in various disciplines of martial arts, so I had to work on my all-ground game in order to be prepared for anyone I had to face," Kingad said.

Asked about what he had to say about his performance in 2019, the Igorot fighter said he was satisfied with his performance especially when he faced DJ who is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. 

"I am very much satisfied with my performance, and I'm really happy to have competed against such talented athletes. Like I said, not everyone can get a chance to compete against an in-his-prime DJ, but I was able to go toe-to-toe with him and push him for three rounds," Kingad shared. 

It was a dream-come-true for Kingad facing Johnson in the final of ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. Before, he "was just playing against him as a character in a video game but then he actually faced him in a real fight inside the cage.

Right after their fight in October, Johnson admitted that Kingad was the toughest fighter he had ever faced in the World Grand Prix. 

"Danny Kingad was tough, I knew his grappling was strong, I had to try to finish him, Johnson said. 

For Kingad, year 2020 is another year for him to show how much he had grown. 

As ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sidyothong said, "Danny will be king of the division in the future. There's no doubt in my mind that he will be a world champion one day".

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Watch: Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Submits Rene Catalan in Round Two

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Igorot mixed martial arts Joshua "The Passion" Pacio delivered another stunning performance to defeat Rene Catalan by submission to retain the ONE Strawweight World Title. 

In the fully sold out Mall of Asia, Pacio successfully defended his strawweight title against the challenger Catalan via 2nd round arm-triangle choke in the main event of ONE: Master of Fate on Friday night. 

The youngest fighter of Team Lakay seemed to be the favorite by his home town crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena as he came stronger defending his World Champion title. 

But Catalan proved that can defeat the younger Pacio as he attempted leg submission in the first round.

Pacio, however, manage to get out of the attempt by rolling over the canvass until Catalan loses grip.

In the second round, Pacio decided to take the fight to the ground, where he was able to pin down Catalan to full mount and maneuvered an arm-triangle choke that forces Catalan to tap out. 

No one expected Pacio to be able to submit Catalan via arm-triangle choke.

Booking.com

It was a beautiful and stunning way for Pacio to retain his world title in front of his fans. 

Meanwhile, Filipino hero Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang gets the unanimous decision over Amarsanaa Tsogookhu after an unintentional class of heads prompts a technical decision.

Congratulations!

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Geje Eustaquio knocks out Tauro with a beautiful spinning back kick

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Former ONE Flyweight Champion Geje Eustaqio of Team Lakay is back following an impressive win against Finnish fighter Toni Tauro on ONE: Master of Fate at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The former champ delivered a powerful spinning back kick to the right side of Tauro causing the latter to undergo a body shutdown and fall to the canvas. 

"I was inspired by Kevin with that turning back kick. We keep on repeating [that technique] inside the gym", Eustaquio told Mitch.

Eustaquio dedicated his fight to his son who inspired him to pick himself up and continue fighting.

READ ALSO:  Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Submits Rene Catalan in Round Two

"I would like to dedicate this fight to my son who is my motivation, to Rose, my coach Mark and to all my brothers and sisters in Team Lakay, and to all Filipinos who came out to witness this historic event," Eustaquio added.

He also dedicated his victory to the people of Mindanao who suffered from the recent devastating earthquake.

Booking.com

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Bibiano Fernandes invites Kevin Belingon to train with him in Canada

Photo Courtesy || Fight Game Asia

Cordillera - Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon and Bibiano Fernandes ended their rivalry at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Japan in the co-main event of ONE: Century.

The Team Lakay stalwart was forced to tap out in the second round after Fernandes caught him in a rear naked choke.

After their fight, Belingon said that Fernandes offered to help him with his training and even invited him to train in Canada.

"Bibiano Fernandes and I met in a restaurant after the fight, we had spent some time talking. He kindly offered to help me with my training and even invited me to train with him in Vancouver, Canada," Belingon said.

"He also believes I'm going to be a World Champion again," he added.

READ ALSO: ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong admits Danny Kingad is still one of the best in the world

Fernandes is a Brazillian professional mixed martial artist currently ranked as the 5th Bantamweight in the world. He is currently residing and training at a local gym in Canada.

His invitation to Belingon would be an opportunity to the latter to improve more in his grappling skills.

Many comments had been made that Team Lakay is lacking in ground skills. The team headed by multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao had placed an extra focus or refining his fighter's skills in the aspect of ground game. 

Sangiao has placed a great emphasis in improving his fighters through consistent grappling drills. 

READ ALSO: Team Lakay Lito Adiwang defeats Japanese Senzo Ikeda via first round TKO

"Losing is the greatest teacher, and sometimes in victory, you cannot see your faults. The losses helped our athletes re-evaluate their abilities, their weaknesses and how we can become better," Sangiao made the statement. 

source || Fight Game Asia

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ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong admits Danny Kingad is still one of the best in the world

Photo Courtesy || Harley Palangchao

Cordillera - ONE Championship founder, chairman, and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said Danny "The King" Kingad is still one of the best in the world. 

"As for Danny, he is still one of the best in the world and he is just getting started as a young athlete," Sidyodthong wrote on his official FB page. 

"Danny will be king of the division in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be a world champion one day" he added. 

Philippines National Wushu Champion Danny Kingad lost to former UFC Champion Demitrious Johnson via unanimous decision during ONE: Century held in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.

READ ALSO: The igorot warriors that bring Philippine MMA to the world's spotlight

Veteran Johnson admits Kingad was his toughest opponent since joining ONE Championship. 

"Danny Kingad was tough, I knew his grappling was strong, I had to try to finish him," Johnson said after the fight. 

Johnson nearly finished the Filipino in the first round via Kimura but Kingad eventually managed to break free. 

"I tried the kimura but he was tough, "Johnson said. The biggest thing is he throws everything he's got, you have to keep the distance," he added. 

ONE Championship founder Sidyothong thanked all the athletes who participated in the biggest event in the history of martial arts. 

"I always say that fighters truly live honorable and courageous live because it is the truth. In chasing your dreams and following your hearts, you bare your souls to the world with every triumph and every failure. And you do so with honor, grace, and love," Sidyothong said.

"Thank you for inspiring the world with your greatness, passion, heart and humility. Bar none, you rank among the world's greatest martial artists," he added. 

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Team Lakay Lito Adiwang defeats Japanese Senzo Ikeda via first round TKO

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - ONE Warrior Series contract winner Lito Adiwang of Team Lakay wins his first victory in One Championship in the Prelims of ONE: Century Part 1 in Tokyo.

The 26-year old Adiwang defeated Pancrase Flyweight World Champion Senzo Ikeda early in the first round in a strawweight mixed martial arts contest Sunday morning. 

Adiwang surprised the Japanese Champion who is known for his excellent boxing and ground game but struggled under the tight grip of the young Pinoy fighter.

READ ALSO: ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong admits Danny Kingad is still one of the best in the world

Adiwang caught and managed to neutralized Ikeda in an arm lock in the first round. 

The referee put a stop to the match after Ikeda suffered a left arm injury and was not able to continue the fight. 

Adiwang gave Team Lakay their first win in the start of ONE: Century Part I.

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Igorot Belingon and Kingad rank among World's Best Pound-for-Pound fighters

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay FB

Cordillera - Sport-ratings.com website ranked two Cordillerans among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the list of the world's top mixed martial artists. The list consists of the top 100 athletes in their respective weight classes.

Included in the top 100 athletes are ONE's flyweight champion Danny "King" Kingad, and ONE's bantamweight champion Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon.

The 23-year old Kingad is listed at the 4th spot in the flyweight division and ranked 60th among the best pound-for-pound fighters when he defeated Reece McLaren by split decision last August 2 at ONE: Dawn of Heroes. 

Kingad is scheduled to fight number one pound-for-pound champion Demetrious Johnson on October 13 in Tokyo, Japan.

Meanwhile, Ifugao native Kevin Belingon is ranked 5th among the best fighters in the bantamweight division and listed in the 37th place of the best pound-for-pound fighters.

The 31-year-old Belingon claimed his standing spot in the list by riding a 6-fight winning streak, brought by wonderful performances. 

Belingon is also set to face Bibiano Fernandes who ranked 3rd in the bantamweight division for the fourth time in Tokyo, Japan.

The two faced each other for the 3rd time last March 2019 but ended up in a disqualification when Belingon delivered illegal blows to the back of the head of Fernandes. 

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