‘I’m Very Confident’ – Mark Sangiao Believes Carlo Bumina-Ang Can Be The Next Big Filipino MMA Star
Mark Sangiao has built enough MMA World Champions to recognize elite-level potential when he sees it.
The Team Lakay head coach detected this promise in rising star Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang, who will make his U.S. primetime debut at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video on Friday, August 2.
The unbeaten Filipino blasted his way to a six-figure contract with a stunning 5-0 run in ONE Friday Fights, captivating the masses with his explosive performances.
Sangiao knew his charge was ready for the step up to the global stage thanks to his experience on the weekly Asia primetime event series, and Bumina-ang proved it when he defeated Chayan Oorzhak – who was 3-0 in ONE – via submission at ONE Friday Fights 65 in May.
The legendary coach told onefc.com:
“I had been talking to ONE over the past couple of months, asking them about the possibility of Carlo finally competing on the main roster. They told me [he needs] to keep fighting, and he’ll get there.
“When I saw Chayan Oorzhak, I felt like it was the fight that would catapult Carlo to ONE Championship. I wasn’t really surprised when they announced he got the contract.”
Over the years, Team Lakay has been predominantly known as a group of strikers, with the Baguio City-based gym earning a swathe of ONE World Titles with their wushu-oriented style.
Although Bumina-ang also has this in his arsenal, Sangiao believes the 30-year-old is proof of the team’s evolution. With two submission wins and two knockouts during his ONE Friday Fights stint, “The Bull” has showcased his potency in every range, and his coach sees his well-rounded skill set as a major reason why he could become the gym’s next World Champion.
Sangiao said:
“Carlo’s a testament that Team Lakay isn’t just pure striking, despite having a wushu base. Through years of experience, we’ve seen the need for fighters to develop new skills, and I believe we can see that through Carlo. He can dominate you on the feet or on the ground.
“Looking at his results, I’m very confident that Carlo can rise above and become a World Champion in ONE. He’s going to represent this country while wearing that belt one day.”
Sangiao Is A Huge Fan Of The ONE Friday Fights’ Talent Path
Mark Sangiao has been an instrumental part of ONE Championship since its inception.
The Filipino’s former pupil Eduard “Landslide” Folayang competed in the promotion’s very first main event at ONE: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION back in September 2011, and he’s seen a dramatic change since then.
With ONE Friday Fights now established as the ultimate proving ground for burgeoning athletes to work their way into the big show, Sangiao thinks the talent has taken a major leap.
Just like Team Lakay’s Carlo Bumina-ang, the veteran coach believes it’s a great way for the up-and-comers to cut their teeth while attempting to prove they’re ready for the global stage.
Sangiao explained:
“As a coach, ONE Friday Fights is such a huge development. I’ve been here since ONE started, and I have seen this organization grow.
“Now, we look at the level of the fighters – you have some of the best fighters from Russia, Mongolia, Japan, and Brazil all competing here now. Through ONE Friday Fights, fighters get exposure and get screened to see whether they’re truly ready for the level of competition on the main roster.”
