BIG DAY. The “Benguet Explosion Martial Arts Tournament on Dec. 9, 2023 at the Wangal Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet will show action to 10 mixed martial arts bouts and three kickboxing matches allowing local followers to experience watching an international caliber match in the Team’s home base. The bouts are part of the 123rd Foundation anniversary of the province, Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao said the sporting event would serve as an avenue for exposure for new players. (PNA photo from Team Lakay Facebook page)
BAGUIO CITY - Ten mixed martial arts bouts and three kickboxing matches will be held during Team Lakay’s "Benguet Explosion Martial Arts Tournament" on Dec. 9 at the Wangal Sports Complex in the Benguet's capital, La Trinidad.
“We have athletes from different parts of the country, as far as the South, and from various martial arts clubs and gyms who will be in the octagon for all of us to see first-hand,” Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
The tournament is part of the official activities and the culminating event of the 123rd Benguet Foundation anniversary through Adivay Festival that had its main day last November 23.
In a press release, Team Lakay said Jean Claude Saclag, a multi-gold medalist at the Southeast Asian Games, will headline the event in a high-stakes bantamweight fight against Ronald Regaldao.
ONE Warrior Series - Philippines champion Adonis Sevilleno will face Reden Manguiat while Nahuel Gandolfi will fight against Rone Deliu.
Joris Jonker and Mark Obrero will engage in a thrilling catchweight bout while Conan Dela Peña will be facing off Neptali Ticar.
For the undercard matches, the players are John Ira Barrinetos versus Duane Pascua, Ezra Saclag against Wilmer Salpad, Firoz Khan against Eugene Tabinga, and a featherweight battle between Jed Sayud and Daryle Wadasen.
Adding a kickboxing flair to the night, Gamebar Angcaway will face Christian Gutierrez, Jyrisce Gean Legaspi will take on Judah Paul Saingan and lady fighters Jerlyn Kingad and Jhen Buzon will have their part.
Sangiao said there will be two professional matches that will be sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board “and definitely a treat to our people here in our region.”
“This is for entertainment but the most vital point of this event is for our starting athletes from different regions and clubs all over the country to have an avenue for exposure before they go out internationally to represent our country. This is their training ground before the global stages,” he said.
Team Lakay, which has a gym in La Trinidad, recently held the free “Future Champion Kids Training” program that was participated in by 15 young athletes. The training is the team’s investment in the grassroots for a future crop of world-class athletes.
Among its successful players are Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, and Honorio “The Rock” Banario. (PNA)
