Jhanlo Sangiao is on cloud nine as he embarks on a new fighting journey inside the Circle for the first time next month.
The younger Sangiao, son of Team Lakay patriarch and coach Mark, will banner the new generation of Team Lakay in ONE: Winter Warriors II on Dec. 17 against Indonesian foe Paul Lumihi.
This marks not only his promotional debut but also his inaugural match in the professional scene.
"Merong kaba doon pero heto na 'yong matagal kong hinintay since nag-start pa lang ako mag-training (I'm a bit nervous but this is it, I've dreamed of this since I was a kid training in the gym)," said Jhanlo, who holds a 3-0 amateur record. "Since bata pa lang ako, nanonood pa lang ako ng mga laban ng seniors namin. Dream ko talaga 'to kaya very excited (This has been my dream since watching my fellow seniors train)."
READ: Jhanlo Sangiao takes inspiration from recent Team Lakay wins
As the son of coach Mark and the youngest Igorot warrior in ONE, the 19-year-old Sangiao said pressure will be an inevitable factor heading into his debut.
But Jhanlo, who inherited his father's fighting moniker "The Machine," vowed to unleash the Igorot's warrior spirit inspired not only from his bloodline but also from his fellow Team Lakay members.
READ: Team Lakay coach: No special treatment for Jhanlo
"Ang daming nag-e-expect na dapat ganito, dapat ganyan. Kaya I'll just show my talent kung ano 'yong pinaghirapan ko since pata pa ako," he added.
Jhanlo will be joining his Team Lakay seniors Kevin Belingon, Danny Kingad, and Stephen Loman in the second installment of ONE: Winter Warriors.
Meanwhile, victory remained elusive for Lumihi, who holds a 7-5 record, after suffering four straight defeats since May 2019.
READ: Coach Mark Sangiao on son Jhanlo: He found MMA and it made me more than proud