KEY POINTS

  • Jhanlo Sangiao wants to make his ONE Championship debut a memorable one
  • His father Mark Sangiao will be in his corner against Indonesia's Paul Lumihi
  • Sangiao believes his quality training with Team Lakay will net him the victory

Jhanlo Sangiao is off to follow in his iconic father’s footsteps on his own mixed martial arts journey when he faces Indonesia’s Paul Lumihi on Friday, December 17 at ONE: Winter Warriors II.

The 19-year-old from La Trinidad, Philippines spoke to the media recently and was asked about his thoughts on fighting Lumihi in his ONE Championship debut.

“Based on what I’ve seen, he’s more of a striker but he tends to struggle when the fight hits the mat, he either gets submitted or gets punished on the ground. But it doesn’t matter, wherever this match goes, I feel like I can take him on. But of course, I don’t want to be overconfident," said the young fighter.

Sangiao will be having his father and Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao in his corner when he battles Lumihi in the opening bout of the card.

Fighting an established veteran with championship experience in the Southeast Asian region may be an intimidating task for most young guns, but not for Sangiao.

He has the benefit of having trained with Team Lakay standouts such as reigning ONE strawweight king Joshua Pacio, Danny Kingad and Kevin Belingon helping him prepare for his first major fight.

Sangiao believes that his striking is far superior to that of Lumihi due to his youth and in other aspects of the game which he hopes will lead to a strong debut at ONE: Winter Warriors II.

“Anything can happen, but of course I want to get that bonus whether by submission or knockout. When that opportunity comes, I’ll be taking it,” he stated.

Sangiao will be joined by his Team Lakay brothers Kingad, Belingon and fellow promotional debutant Stephen Loman on the card.

He will also be carrying his father’s fighting nickname "The Machine” when he squares off with Lumihi.

ONE: Winter Warriors II will be streaming live on the ONE Super App and official ONE Championship YouTube channel for fans in Asia on Friday, December 17 at 8:30 PM.

Meanwhile, the North American audience can catch the entire card via B/R Live at 7:30 AM ET.

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