Mixed martial arts veteran Jenel Lausa is up for a major decision in his fighting career.
After signing a multi-bout deal with BRAVE Combat Federation in February, Lausa won't be taking things for granted as he decided to focus on his MMA career and set aside boxing for now.
Admitting that it was a "tough" decision to make, the 32-year-old Lausa believes that committing to MMA is more beneficial to him career-wise.
"I have to think long-term. Here in MMA, I can have a regular fix of fights. Boxing events in the Philippines have been hampered by the pandemic," said Lausa, who holds a 7-6 MMA record.
"I feel so blessed that BRAVE CF opened the door to welcome me back to MMA and resume my career. That alone is already an indication that I have to prioritize MMA."
READ: Lausa seeks ‘second chance’ to prove worth in MMA comeback
Lausa was unfortunate in his promotional debut and much-awaited MMA comeback after suffering defeat at the hands of Ryskulbek Ibraimov of Kyrgyzstan in BRAVE CF 47: Asian Domination at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa last March.
Prior to that, the Iloilo native fighter saw action in the UFC from 2016 to 2018.
Taking several losses in the UFC, Lausa returned to boxing in 2019, hauling three straight wins with the most recent against Carlos Lopez of Indonesia via fifth-round knockout.
In the boxing ring, Lausa is undefeated with a 10-0 record. MMA, however, is a different discipline that requires a separate skillset.
"My list of goals at the moment consists of what I want to achieve through BRAVE CF, not as a boxer. Not winning my debut is hard to swallow, but it came with a realization that I have to reorganize my goals and priorities," said Lausa.
"The loss turned out to be a blessing, not just a lesson. Now, I am living as a true and dedicated Filipino MMA fighter. Here in MMA, you have to think as a mixed martial artist day in and day out. Today, I can say that I see things clear as day."
Lausa earlier expressed to seek redemption by pitching his name on BRAVE CF 51 to be held at the Falcon Club Arena in Minsk, Belarus on June 4.