Team Lakay has been fairly active in the first quarter of 2023 under the ONE Championship banner, with Jhanlo “The Machine” Sangiao, Adonis “The Lion” Sevilleno, and Carlos “The Limitless” Alvarez holding down the fort for the legendary stable.

Geje "Gravity" Estaquio. (ONE Championship photo)

However, one name that has been absent from action lately is former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao revealed that the 34-year-old Baguio City native recently renewed his contract with The Home Of Martial Arts, and he’s brimming with excitement as he looks forward to seeing one of his talented wards back in the Circle.

“Soon,” Sangiao teased. “We’re still talking with ONE about it, and I told him to get ready because any time soon, [a fight] might emerge. [We have] no definite dates yet.”

Eustaquio, who holds an overall professional record of 14-9, has won three of his last five outings since relinquishing the coveted ONE Flyweight World Championship to longtime rival Adriano “Mikhino” Moraes in January 2019.

During that stretch, he has beaten the likes of Kim Kyu Sung, Toni Tauru, and Song Min Jong in enthralling fashion.

But most recently, “Gravity” sustained a harrowing setback at the hands Hu Yong at ONE 164 in December 2022. On that night, the Chinese prospect attained the biggest victory of his career by knocking the Filipino veteran out in the first round.

Despite the recent setback, Sangiao firmly believes that Eustaquio is still a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.

“While the road may be challenging right now, I have full confidence that Geje will rise above these obstacles and come back stronger than ever,” he said.

“His unyielding spirit and relentless work ethic will pave the way for an incredible comeback, and I am excited to witness him reclaim his spot among the best in the world.”

With the emergence of new contenders in the 135-pound weight class, Sangiao revealed that it has ignited a fire within Eustaquio.

“There are a lot of good fighters in his division right now, and it gives Geje the motivation and reason to train even harder,” he said.

“I can’t pinpoint which is the best matchup for Geje, but what I can assure is that we’re willing to take on all comers in ONE. I hope to see him back there soon.”