WE GIVE a breather from the ongoing Arnis trivia that we have started from the last article and give way to the spectacle that happened last week, ONE Championship’s Fire & Fury where Baguio’s most celebrated MMA organization have made another statement.
Joshua Pacio defended his world strawweight world title for the second time against a seasoned grappler in Alex Silva who was a former champion himself.
Pacio at 24 years old showed everyone that Team Lakay is not at all to be underestimated in the ground as he escaped Silva’s every attempt of submissions while trying also to submit the former world champion.
Although Pacio did not succeed to submit Silva, the feat of escaping and close calls of succeeding in his attempts is a big deal for a seasoned BJJ Black belt like Silva.
Other members of Team Lakay were also successful that night capturing a 4-1 win loss slate for the team, the loss came from Eduard Folayang in a close split decision call but nothing to be ashamed of because the fight could have been called either way. It’s just that the judges saw the fight in their own perspective hence the decision.
But what stole the night in the event is the showcase of a thunderous performance from Lito Adiwang, a new face from Team Lakay and One Warrior series flyweight winner who is impressive in his second ONE bout after finishing Pongsiri Mitsatit with a kimura lock in the first round.
Adiwang is another spawn of talent from the coveted Team lakay which is proving the MMA community that their camp has a deep pool of talents who have yet to showcase their prowess.
He is one of the hungry young lions who expressed his intentions to fight again soon but this time, he wants to test his skills with a grappler to assess his arsenal.
“I want to challenge myself, I don’t want to make someone my stepping stone. I want the top calibers and top champions, that’s who I want to test myself against,” Adiwang said showing how serious the 26 years old Igorot warrior about his way to a championship shot. Team Lakay started 2020 with a bang and it would not cease anytime soon as more of their athletes are eyeing their slot not only in the One Championship but also with other MMA promotions like Brave Combat Federation where Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman is the world bantamweight champion.
Cordillera is a haven of warriors where there is a deep spawn of talents.