MMA figther Dave Banguingui from Mt. Province wins ONE Warrior Series via 2nd Round Submission

Photo Courtesy : ONE Championship

Cordillera - Another promising young Igorot Mixed Martial Artist is making its way as one of best figther in ONE Championship. 

Dave Donguis Banguingui defeated Albeir Correiaba Silva of Brazil in the recently concluded ONE Warrior Series event held in Singapore last week.  

The 23-year old from Bauko, Mountain Province is being tagged as one of the promising athletes to sign up with the ONE Championship roster. 

He made his successful debut with Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series last month when he defeated Indian figther Susovan Ghosh with a stunning second-round KO. 

Banguigui is a good striker and he is also mastering his ground game. His two recent fights shows his scrambling ability and submission. 

He has the ability to control the match, submit his opponent to the ground and follow with barrage of ground and pound or end the contest with rear-naked choke. 

Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series (OWS) is a development league aims to look for the best fighter in the world with a chance to bagged a deal worth more than US$100,000.

Meanwhile fellow Igorot figther Lito Adiwang was also successful in the league and successfully got a contract to fight in ONE Championship. 

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Danny Kingad to face American MMA figther 'Mighty Johnson in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Final

Cordillera - Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Danny Kingad has officially made its way to the final of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. 

Kingad, the only member of Team Lakay pulled out a win against Reece "Lightning" Mclaren via split decision last Friday in the Mall of Asia Arena during ONE: DAWN OF HEROES event.

The Igorot fighter survived Mclaren's rear-naked choke early in the first round and managed to score a favorable winning decision in the last round when he landed multiple takedowns and solid ground and pound to Mclaren. 

With an improve record of 13-1 in his career, Kingad is set to meet American MMA fighter Demitrius "Mighty" Johnson in the final of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. 

Johnson defeated Japanese foe Tatsumisu Wada via unanimous decision to fill the bracket for the upcoming Grand Prix Final set for October in Tokyo Japan this year.

Meanwhile, Kingad's teammates Edward Kelly, Honorio Banario, Eduard Folayang and Geje Eustaquio didn't make it last Friday as they suffered defeats from Foreign foes. 

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Jerry Olsim and Dave Banguigui victorious in ONE warrior series 6 in Singapore

Cordillera-  Igorot fighters Jerry "Bokodian Warior"  Olsim and Dave "Kintas" Banguigui were both victorious in the same card on the One Championship: ONE warrior series 6 held in Singapore recently.

Jerry "The Bokodian" Olsim
Photo Courtesy: Team Lakay FB

Team Lakay fighter, Jerry Olsim's  penultimate fight of the night was a much more attrition affair as he came out on top winning by unanimous decision against Myeong Gu Kim.

The fighter from Bokod, Benguet Olsim  is anticipating for a possible contract with ONE Championship, Asia's largest mixed martial arts promotions after overcoming featherweight prospect Myeong Gu Kim.

Dave "Kinsay" Banguigui
Photo Courtesy: Team Lakay FB

Meanwhile, Enlist Dave Banguigui  of Mt. Province stopped his  Indian opponent Susovan Ghosh in the second round as he made his One Warrior  Series debut.

Source || bleacherreport

Watch their fight here below:

Video courtesy || ONE Championship

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"DREAM FIGHT": Igorot fighter Edward Folayang vs. Former UFC fighter Alvarez set for August

Two former world champions Edward Folayang  and Eddie Alvarez
Photo courtesy: ONEFC.com via Tiebreaker Times

Cordillera- This coming August will be one of the most anticipated dream fight for the two world renowned champions former ONE Lightweight World Champion Edward "Landslide" Folayang against ex-UFC World Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez at the mall of Asia for One Championship:Dawn of Heroes.

The two champions are at a very intriguing crossroad as they are both coming from a loss.  Folayang got choked out by Shinya Aoki while Alvarez got stopped by Timofey Nastyukin last March.

Both champions are determined for a win on this fight because it's their only ticket to be considered a potential opponent for Christian Lee, the reigning One Championship lightweight king. Lee captured the belt from Aoki on a knock out last May.

Ifugao pride Folayang became a national hero when he won several gold medals for the Philippines Wushu Team then shifted to mixed martial arts to be trained by Mark Sangiao of Team Lakay where he debuted in June 2017 capturing Filipino Welterweight Championship. He then made his promotional debut in September 2011 in the main event of One Championship's inaugural show.

Came 2016, Folayang captured ONE Lightweight World Title by defeating the legendary Shinya Aoki. After losing and regaining the title, he defended the belt in a rematch with the Japanese legend but lost on a submission on the first round last March. 

Meanwhile, Alvarez is so far the best Martial artist in history who claimed World Titles in  both America's leading promotions. Now he intends to keep his status being the all time great by capturing the One Lightweight World Championship. But now that he's on a comeback trail after losing on  a knockout against Rusisan Timothy Nastyukhin, he needs to defeat Folayang if he  hopes to restore his chances at the One World Title.

This is indeed a battle of two former world champions which is going to be  a huge test for both fighters.

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Team Lakay's Geje Eustaquio is back after defeating South Korean foe in Singapore

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio is back after defeating South Korea's Kyu Sung Kim via unanimous decision in the undercard of One Championship: Enter the Dragon in Singapore. 

The taller and much younger Kim was schooled by the former Team Lakay champion in the first and second round. Eustaquio put pressure to Kim in the first two rounds with perfect kicks and counter-punches. 

Eustaquio made a big score when he caught the younger fighter with a right back-spinning punch straight to his right  face. Eustaquio mastered the art of counter punching and capitalized his short height to effectively skip from the counters of Kim. 

The 3rd round had put Geje in a difficult situation when Kim connected some clean and hard punches. Nevertheless, his determination to win the fight prevailed. He then decided to go toe to toe with his opponent and connected some punches of his own with a take down near the end.

The judges who scored the bout give Eustaquio the winning decision. Winning the bout is a first step for Eustaquio to getting back to being a world champion again. 

As being recalled, Geje lost his title to Brazilian fighter Adriano Moraes when they faced for the 3rd time in Manila this year. 

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Igorot Joshua Pacio knocks out Saruta with a knee kick to the head

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Joshua "The Passion" Pacio reclaims ONE World Strawweight Championship Belt from Yosuke Saruta in the co-main event of ONE Championship: Roots of Honor in front of fight fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The competitive bout that lasted up to the 4th round proved to be an exciting one as the two warriors were really hunting a big knock-out for them selves. 

It was Pacio from Team Lakay who played a very technical and decisive tactic to maneuver a hard right kick to the head of Saruta causing the later to suffer from a TKO. 

Sensing the gravity of his kick, Pacio did not attempt to follow Saruta to finish him off on the canvas.

"The Passion dropped the ONE strawweight world championship to Saruta in their first meeting with just a razor-thin split decision. 

This Friday was a redemption for the youngest world champion of Team Lakay as he proved to the world he was the true champion. 

Pacio thanked his fans and team mates for their support. 

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"Automatic rematch" for Belingon and Bibiano Fernandes, ONE CEO said

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - An automatic rematch is set for Kevin Belingon and Bibiano Fernandes in the near future after their historic trilogy ended up in a disqualification for Belingon. 

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sidyodthong said in a press conference that the two rivals would meet for the fourth time. 

"That's an automatic rematch," Sidyothong announced during a press conference just after the event in Tokyo, Japan. 

Fernandes snatched the belt from Belingon after the former was given a red card by the referee due to disqualification. Belingon accidentally landed a pair of illegal elbows to the back of the head of Fernandes in the second round. 

Fernandes was hurt and declared a winner when he couldn't stand up to continue the fight.

Many fans were dissatisfied with the outcome of the fight and wanted the two rivals to meet again for the fourth time to settle things straight. 

The early rounds of the bout had given the Filipino champion the upper hand as it scored clean shots and spinning back kicks to Fernandes. 

Fernandes was able to trade punches with Belingon in the next round which caught Belingon an overhand right to his jaw and took him off his feet. But Belingon was able to withstand the powerful shots and recovered.

In the third round, Fernandes was able to ground Belingon but received two clean elbows to the back of his head. The referee stopped the fight and Fernandes was given 5 minutes to recover. The fight was halted after Fernandes was unable to continue the bout. 

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Congratulations: Danny Kingad defeats Senzo Ikeda via Unanimous Decision

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Updates: Cordilleran fighter Danny Kingad defeats Senzo Ikeda via Unanimous Decision in Tokyo, Japan. 

All judges scored the bout in favor of Danny Kingad. He has now advanced in the Grand Prix where he will have the chance to face his idol Demetrious Johnson. 

ONE: A New Era is considered the biggest event in ONE Championship history as it features the best fighters in the world. 

In the main event, ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang of Team Lakay will defend his belt against known foe Japanese MMA star Shinya Aoki.

Likewise, in the fight card is a trilogy between long time foe ONE Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, also from Team Lakay,  will be defending his title against challenger Bibiano Fernandez. 

Speaking of fighters from Team Lakay, the fight card in Tokyo also includes flyweight star Danny Kingad who will be facing a new opponent former Pancrase Flyweight World Champion Senzo Ikeda.

Ikeda replaced Andrew Leone who suffered injury during training and was out of the tournament, according to ONE Championship. 

Join the contest now, share the video below and don't forget to leave a comment.

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Two of the best Cordilleran World Bantamweight Champions come from Ifugao

Cordillera - The era of Philippine Mixed Martial Arts has begun and has been taking the center stage of the sports media nowadays. Thanks to all the Filipino fighters who put their time, effort and dedication to the sport. 

The Cordilleran martial artists are now making waves in major sport organizations like ONE Championship and Brave Combat Federation. 

ONE Championship promotion has Kevin Belingon who currently holds the World Bantamweight title while Brave Combat Federation has Stephen Loman who is also holding the same title.

Photo Courtesy || Brave Combat Federation

Both fighters are Cordillerans who happened to be from the same tribe, the Ifugao. They are both training under the stable of Benguet-based gym Team Lakay with multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao.

Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is a passionate and dedicated fighter who will do all his best to win in every bout. He is an ultimate well-rounded fighter with powerful kicks and incredible hands. He has a lot of variety of weapons that he uses in his arsenal.

Loman is the first and only Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion in the history of the promotion. He is currently on his sixth fight winning streak after defending his title against Frans Mlambo and Felipe Efrain back in 2018. 

This coming March 15, 2019, he will be defending his title against Elias Boudegzdame in the main event of Brave 22: Storm of Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

This is the first time Stephen will be fighting in front of his countrymen right in his own homeland. 

Meanwhile, his town mate Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon is one of the most exciting Filipino MMA fighter of ONE Championship because of his explosiveness and speed when he fights inside the cage. He is known for his powerful punches that when landed solid to his opponent, would be the end. 

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Belingon FB

Currently, Belingon holds the ONE Championship World Bantamweight title after grabbing it from the Brazilian fighter Bibiano Fernandes after their match in November last year. 

Belingon is set to face Fernandes for the 3rd time in the co-main event of ONE: A New Era on March 31 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan. 

The 31-year old Belingon showcased a lot of improvements during his last fight and is now in his seventh winning streak. 

The ONE: A New Era will also see the most anticipated fight in the main-event as ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang will defend his belt in a rematch with the Japanese martial arts icon Shinya Aoki.

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Lito Adiwang - a rising Cordilleran MMA champion

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Considered as one of Team Lakay's rising MMA star in the pipeline, Lito Adiwang proved once again that he is going straight to becoming a world champion someday. 

The Baguio-based young fighter got his chance to join Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series and had his second big break when he floored down Alber Corrreia da Silva earlier in the first round during their encounter in Singapore yesterday. 

The 25-year old Adiwang used his unconventional way of attacking his opponent. His unanticipated assault followed by his blinding speed in punching made a big difference in the fight. 

He caught Silva with a big left straight causing Silva to recline to the canvas. Adiwang didn't miss his chance, he followed Silva to the ground and unloaded series of big punches forcing the referee to halt the fight in under 45-seconds. 

Adiwang's excellent performance gave yet another victory for La Trinidad-based MMA Gym Team Lakay. Adiwang now improved his record to 7-2. 

Will Adiwang be the next exciting fighter for Team Lakay and can follow the footstep of top-tier Team Lakay champions like ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang and ONE Interim Bantamweight World Champion Kevin Belingon? The big chance is there especially that he is under the careful watch and mentoring of one of the best coach Mark Sangiao. 

Watch Lito Adiwang's impressive performance below:

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Danny Kingad now officially part of ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix - ONE CEO announced

Photo Courtesy || Chatri Sidyothong FB

Cordillera - Cordilleran MMA fighter Danny "The King" Kingad is now officially part of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix contest as ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodthong announced in his FB account the line-up fight for the said event. 

"BREAKING NEWS: The ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix kicks of at ONE: A New Era on March 31 in Tokyo, featuring all quarterfinal fights with some of the best flyweights on the planet together! BOOM!!!

Stay tuned for more big news"

That was the announcement of ONE CEO Chatri Sidyothong in his Facebook Page on Thursday (Feb. 21, 2019). 

It would be a 'wish came true' for the Cordilleran fighter as he was looking for this opportunity to be part of Grand Prix where he is going to showcase the best of himself to earn a title in the sport. 

In an interview from local media, Kingad said he was very excited to showcase his talent against the best in his division. 

READ ALSO: Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

Now that he is part of the event, he said he will be doubling his efforts and will train harder.

"I am very excited to showcase my talent against the best in my division. Expect me to double my efforts and to train harder now that I'm already part of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix," Kingad said.

"I am looking forward to fighting the top talent and earning that world title. I think everybody has the right to earn their spot, and I'm here to earn my spot," he added. 

On March 31, Kingad will be facing Hawaii based fighter Andrew Leone. 

READ ALSO: Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes dubbed the new Manny Pacquaio.

Andrew Leone was a former foe of Kingad's team mate Kevin Belingon. 

Leone suffered a brutal defeat in the hands of Belingon during their encounter last year via 2nd round TKO. 

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Igorota MMA fighter Gina Iniong wins at ONE: Clash of Legends in Bangkok

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's female MMA fighter Gina "The Conviction" Iniong proved herself to be the better fighter tonight as she defeated her Malaysian foe Jihin "Shadow Cat' Radzuan at the ONE: Clash of Legends held in Bangkok, Thailand. 

29-year old Iniong from Baguio City showed greater experience in the ring as she outpoints her younger opponent from Malaysia.

READ ALSO: Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

After three rounds in the cage, all three judges scored the fight via split decision declaring the Igorota from Cordillera the winner. 

Iniong has now improves her professional MMA record with eight (8) wins and four (4) losses. 

READ ALSO: Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes Martin knocks out Thai foe in 3rd round.

ONE: Clash of Legends is the first ONE Championship bout to be held in Thailand this year featuring Muay Thai fights and Mixed Martial Bouts including Iniong VS. Radzuan in the women's atomweight division.

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Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

Cordillera - Two Igorot martial artists are among the list of famous Filipino world champions in the Philippine combat sports that international business magazine Forbes picked as Pacquiao's successor once he hangs up his gloves for good. 

According to Forbes, it listed Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang and Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon among the possible fighters that could be in a position to succeed Pacquiao as the new face of Filipino combat sports. 

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Folayang has all the reasons to be in the list as Forbes says:

"He's currently in this second run as champion and he has been tabbed to main event his promotion's biggest show of the year on March 31 in Japan. Folayang will face Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in a high-profile rematch..."

READ ALSO: Cordilera's Team Lakay Champions recognized at the Senate

"If he can reaffirm his dominance over Aoki and bring the ONE title back to the Philippines, his already sizable popularity in his country will grow even more. Folayang has long been compared to Pacquiao by many, including ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Folayang has also said Pacquaio's career, success and way of life are part of what motivates him," Forbes added.

Another Igorot in the list is Belingon who currently holds ONE world bantamweight title. Belingon popularity in the world of combat sports is evident in his past fight where he defeated legendary Bibiano Fernandes via split decision during their second fight.

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Belingon

His speed and explosiveness are also comparable to Manny Pacquiao's style which he is known for. 

Belingon will be part of the ONE: NEW ERA card set for March where he is going to face Fernandes for the 3rd time. This fight will be a test for Belingon and a stepping stone for him to be in the Filipino MMA scene. 

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

"In March, the two men will have their rubber match. At 32, Belingon is younger than Folayang, but he needs a second win over Fernandes to entrench himself in the Filipino MMA scene and to be further established as one of the truly elite in his promotion and across the entire MMA scene." Forbes said.

The other three Filipino fighters included in the Forbes' list are Erwin Ancajas, Jhack Tepora and Michael Dasmarinas. 

source || Forbes

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Joshua Pacio VS Yosuke Saruta rematch set on April 12 in Manila

Updated: 

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio is set for a rematch against ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta in the Co-Main event of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR at the Mall of Asia in Manila on April 12. 
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It wasn't an easy bout for the Igorot fighter from the famed Team Lakay gym of Baguio city to defend his ONE strawweight titlte against challenger Yosuke Saruta. 

The 23-year old lost the five-round match via razor-thin split decision in the main event of ONE: ETERNAL GLORY in Jakarta, Indonesia last Saturday. 

It was a close decision verdict by the judges that favored the Japanese fighter due to his aggressiveness and effective take downs in the final rounds. But Pacio was able to deliver impressive counter-punches thus making the match very close. 

A rematch between the two is inevitable to happen very soon considering the very close decision from the judges that both fighters agreed if ONE championship would push through.

"If ONE tells me to do the rematch then, bring it on. I never say no to a match. I'll fight anyone at anytime," Saruta said about the possible rematch.

Meanwhile, Pacio accepted his loss and said the fight was a huge learning experience for him. 

"Agree or not, I have to agree because that's the decision of ONE Championship so next time I fight, I need to win convincingly," Pacio said.

"This fight is a huge learning experience. The loss motivates me to keep training and improve my weakness in both my attacks and defense," he added.

Asked about the potential second fight with Saruta, Pacio is much willing to do it again as much as possible.

"I want a rematch right away but it would still depend on ONE. I'm motivated to come back and I can't wait to train again and return to the cage," Pacio responded.

Besides, no less than the CEO and Chairman of ONE Championship Chatri Sidyodthong suggested there will be a rematch because he was very disappointed about the result. In his perspective, Pacio clearly won the fight. 

"My personal opinion, as a life-long martial artist, I think Joshua Pacio won the fight. I was very disappointed," Sityodthong said.

"Just for me, from my perspective, I thought Joshua won. so yes there will be a rematch," he added.

On January 25th, Pacio's team mates, ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio will defend his title against former opponent Adriano Moraes in the main event of ONE: Hero's Ascent at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Igorot Champ Eduard Folayang VS. former UFC Champ Eddie Alvarez | Possible matchup in 2019

Cordillera - Year 2019 would be a tough and busy year for Team Lakay champions as they will be  defending their belts against top challengers in the Mixed Martial Arts Arena. 

For the reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio, he was slated to defend his belt against Japanese challenger Hayato Suzuki on 19th January in Indonesia. 

Meanwhile Team Lakay's veteran fighter and now World Lightweight Champion Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang is also looking ahead to his first challenge as a champion. But right now ONE Championship has not yet made a formal announcement to whom he will be fighting inside the cage. 

However, a lot of talks and expectations from fans and Eduard himself has been talking about a possible showdown with former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.

Eddie Alvarez on the other hand, recently signed with ONE Championship last October. He is one of the most accomplished lightweight martial artist of all time.

With Alvarez's high caliber records in MMA and Folayang's recent triumph to the lightweight division, a possible showdown between them could be an exciting fight for MMA fans worldwide. 

For Folayang himself, he admitted that a showdown with Alvarez will be a great matchup. 

"It will be a great match up. I have seen Eddie Alvarez and I have been able to follow him on his fights, and he is a great martial artist. He has been able to get the Bellator lightweight championship, and also the UFC championship. So, for him, he be looking to get another shot for the ONE Championship lightweight belt. I think if, given the chance, it will be a great match up," Folayang said during an interview in BJPENN radio.

MMA fans would have to wait for ONE Championship announcement if a Folayang VS. Alvarez will be included in the first round of the ONE Championship Lightweight Grand Prix scheduled on 22nd February.

If Folayang-Alvarez fight would push through, who do you think will win? Comment down below.

Watch Alvarez fight below



Watch Eduard Folayang fight below

Video Courtesy: BellatorMMA and ONE Championship

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Joshua Pacio vs Hayato Suzuki to headline first ONE event shown live on U.S. TV

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

(Updated) - Asia's biggest MMA promotion ONE Championship has signed a 3-year broadcast deal with Turner Sport which will commence of January 1. The deal will broadcast some of ONE Championship's programs including the first event scheduled for January 19 which features Joshua Pacio vs Hayato Suzuki fight.

Baguio City - Reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio will make his first World Title defense against Japanese challenger Hayato Suzuki on 19 January at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

According to ONE Championship, ONE: Eternal Glory will be the first of the promotion's 2019 lists of match up in their calendar events.

Pacio, team Lakay's youngest champion will take this opportunity to avenge his loss to Suzuki. 

The two warriors first crossed paths back in August 2017 where Pacio was easily defeated by Suzuki via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

It was a devastating defeat for Pacio that motivated him to improve  his ground game with the help of this teammates. 

Since then, the 22-year-old Pacio continued making rounds of victories in the next year and half, including a world title win over Yoshitaka Naito that made him ONE Strawweight World Champion. 

Now, the Japanese contender is working his way out to challenge the Igorot warrior to prove their first encounter was not just an accident.

Who do you think will win this upcoming match up between Pacio and Suzuki. Write your answer in the comment box below.

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Cordilera's Team Lakay Champions recognized at the Senate

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang FB

Cordillera - Members of the Team Lakay are now the talk of the town and earlier paid a visit to the Philippine Senate and spend time with some of the senators.

In a photo shared by ONE World Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, he and ONE Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, ONE Flyweight Champion Geji Eustaquio, ONE Strawweight Champion Joshua Pacio,  Brave Combat Federation Champion Stephen Loman and Coach Mark Sangiao posed a photo with the senators.

With their individual ONE Belt hanging on their shoulders, the Cordilleran warriors proudly joined the senators in a photo shoot headed by Senate President Sotto along with Eight Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao, Migz Zubiri, former Senate president Pimentel and others.

Team Lakay Champions also posed with their cup of coffee at the senate house.

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang

Last December 2, the city government of Baguio organized a "Parade of Champions" to honor Team Lakay dedication to the sport.

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

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay Official FB

Cordillera - No one could ever disagree with the words of ONE Championship CEO and chairman Chatri Sidyodthong that Team Lakay is the number one team in the world. Team Lakay's success in the MMA arena is collectively worked out by the Igorot martial artists who dedicated lots of their time and effort in this particular sport. For them, martial arts is a passion they love doing. It's a career that is fulfilling and a sport they care about and are willing to share to others.

Their dedication to the sport has been  rewarded abundantly. This year is a great milestone for them as they took home five world championship belts in different weight classes; four under the banner of ONE championship and one under Brave Combat Federation. 

Eduard "The Landslide Folayang" just recently became ONE Lightweight World Champion last November  23, 2018. 

Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon became the ONE Bantamweight World Champion early in November. 

Joshua Pacio became the ONE Strawweight World Champion in September.

While Geje Eustaquio became the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in June.

Stephen Loman on the other hand, became Brave Bantamweight World Champion. 

Yes, it's five world championship belts that they had taken and brought home to the Philippines. 

These are the Igorot heroes that brought the Philippines Mixed Martial Arts to the world's spotlight. Because of them,  Philippines is now known to have the best mixed martial artist in the world. 

The successful journey of Team Lakay from its humble beginning up to becoming the number one team in the world is a product of teamwork and humility. 

As Eduard Folayang - the newly crowned world lightweight champion said, " We help each other so that we can be able to have these belts." 

To honor the big contribution of the legendary martial arts heroes and the champs of Team Lakay, the city government of Baguio organized the "Parade of Champions" on December 2, 2018.

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ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong: Team Lakay is the number one team in the world

Photo Courtesy || Nissi Icasiano FB

Cordillera - ONE Championship founder, chairman, and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said Team Lakay of Baguio is the number one team in the world. 

"There is no question that Team Lakay is the #1 team in the world. They have achieved so much on the wold stage with so little," Sityodtong made the statement in his official FB page.

"With a humble little gym in Baguio, Team Lakay has stopped some of the greatest teams and athletes in the world through its passion, tenacity, excellence, and humility. Thank you for showing the world that nothing is impossible and for exemplifying the true meaning of martial arts" he added. 

The 47-year-old Sityodtong also congratulated Eduard Folayang in his extraordinary performance against Singaporean  Amir Khan on Friday, saying that Eduard just proved himself to those doubters, haters, and naysayers who are telling him to retire after he lost the belt from Nguyen.

"Congratulations to Eduard Landslide Folayang on becoming the ONE Lightweight World Champion again! You inspire all of us with your courageous journey of overcoming adversity, defeating odds, and chasing dreams... It was truly the best Eduard Folayang that I have ever seen in the almost 10 years we have known each other," Sityodtong wrote.

Moreover, Sityodtong did not miss to congratulate the Philippines for getting a new record of a country that owns 5 world championship titles. 

"Lastly, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to the entire country of Philippines for now owning 5 world championship titles, the most of any country on the planet! It is no secret that Filipinos are warriors, but your achievements as a country is truly outstanding. I stand with you to celebrate and honor your heroes together. 

Indeed, it was a remarkable journey for Team Lakay to have reached this glorious moment on the history of MMA in the Philippines. With a world class coach Mark Sangiao and the whole team of Igorot warriors, Team Lakay is truly a world class team. 

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Eduard Folayang beats Amir Khan, reclaims ONE World Lightweight title back

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay top fighter Eduard "Landslide" Folayang's journey to the Promised Land has been finally reached as he defeated Amir Khan of Singapore in ONE: Conquest of Heroes on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Folayang has proven that he is not yet done with the sport, after beating younger fighther Amir Khan who defeated his teammate Honorio Banario via first round submission.

In the 2nd round of the bout, Folayang showcased his ring superiority by pummeling Khan with series of spinning back punches. Both fighters survived until the fifth round but all rounds are clearly won by Folayang. 

Three judges scored the bout via unanimous decision giving victory to the Baguio native. 

The 35-year old Folayang finally got his birthday wish, winning back ONE Lightweight World Title.

"There's no greater gift I can receive on my 35th birthday other than winning the ONE Lightweight World title back," Folayang said. "And there's no better place to do it but in front of my countrymen" he added.

As the most coveted belt in the world is now in his possession, Folayang improved his record to 21 wins with only 6 defeats.

Likewise, his teammate Honorio Banario won via unanimous decision against his Indian foe.

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