Team Lakay's Carlo Bumina-ang looks to seize moment at ONE Friday Fights 27
Published Aug 2, 2023 06:07 am
As Team Lakay goes all in with its next-gen of mixed martial artists, the La Trinidad, Benguet-based stable will field another of its top prospects on Friday, August 4.
*Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang.*
On the stacked ONE Friday Fights 27 card, all eyes will be on Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang, who is slated to lock horns with Reza “The Jaguar” Saedi in a three-round bantamweight MMA showdown. Under the watchful eyes of head coach Mark Sangiao and the guidance of the camp’s senior members, Bumina-ang has defied expectations despite beginning his formal training in 2017, cementing his status as one of the most overachieving combat sports athletes in the Philippines. Following his MMA debut in 2019 where he thwarted compatriot Arniel Lomayno by way of first-round technical knockout, he suited up for the Philippines National Team in two editions of the Southeast Asian Games. Bumina-ang bagged a silver medal in Vovinam at the multi-sport meet held in 2022. He once again answered the call of duty, representing the Filipino flag a year later, capturing bronze in kickboxing. It didn’t stop there for “The Bull” as he accomplished a double-gold medal finish at the recently concluded 2023 Pan-Asian Gi & No Gi Jiu Jitsu International Open, where he topped both the 73-kilogram and absolute no-gi divisions. The 29-year-old Baguio City native faces the daunting task of living up to high expectations, but he chooses to embrace the challenge head on. “I’m basing [my readiness] on the people who have experienced it already. I listen to my coach. He knows what my level is, he’s been monitoring my training. So, I believe that I have the skills and the strength to compete on the biggest stage,” he said. Standing in the way of Bumina-ang to secure a triumphant debut is Saedi, who will also make his maiden appearance in ONE Championship on that night. With a kickboxing and wrestling pedigree, Saedi turned pro in February 2020, edging out fellow countryman Ali Khademi by way of razor-thin split decision. Saedi was supposed to face Bumina-ang’s teammate and featherweight standout Carlos “The Limitless” Alvarez at ONE Friday Fights 25 in July, but he withdrew from the bout after missing his scheduled flight. At ONE Friday Fights 27, the Iranian newcomer gets his second chance by moving down a weight class to square off with Bumina-ang. As the date approaches, Bumina-ang exudes confidence, expressing that he and his team have left no stone unturned in their preparations for this crucial bout. “I feel like we’ve prepared better for it. Coach Mark already has a prepared game plan for him. We just have to adjust a little, just a minor thing because I’m a southpaw,” he said. With an opportunity to establish himself on the global stage, Bumina-ang is setting his sights on a herculean effort to secure a stoppage victory. “Whatever it takes, I need to stop him. Whether it be on the ground or standing,” he said. ONE Friday Fights 27 is scheduled to happen at the world-renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The same venue will also play host to Jhanlo Sangiao’s bantamweight clash against Mongolian powerhouse Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 13 on Saturday morning, August 5.
*Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang.*
On the stacked ONE Friday Fights 27 card, all eyes will be on Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang, who is slated to lock horns with Reza “The Jaguar” Saedi in a three-round bantamweight MMA showdown. Under the watchful eyes of head coach Mark Sangiao and the guidance of the camp’s senior members, Bumina-ang has defied expectations despite beginning his formal training in 2017, cementing his status as one of the most overachieving combat sports athletes in the Philippines. Following his MMA debut in 2019 where he thwarted compatriot Arniel Lomayno by way of first-round technical knockout, he suited up for the Philippines National Team in two editions of the Southeast Asian Games. Bumina-ang bagged a silver medal in Vovinam at the multi-sport meet held in 2022. He once again answered the call of duty, representing the Filipino flag a year later, capturing bronze in kickboxing. It didn’t stop there for “The Bull” as he accomplished a double-gold medal finish at the recently concluded 2023 Pan-Asian Gi & No Gi Jiu Jitsu International Open, where he topped both the 73-kilogram and absolute no-gi divisions. The 29-year-old Baguio City native faces the daunting task of living up to high expectations, but he chooses to embrace the challenge head on. “I’m basing [my readiness] on the people who have experienced it already. I listen to my coach. He knows what my level is, he’s been monitoring my training. So, I believe that I have the skills and the strength to compete on the biggest stage,” he said. Standing in the way of Bumina-ang to secure a triumphant debut is Saedi, who will also make his maiden appearance in ONE Championship on that night. With a kickboxing and wrestling pedigree, Saedi turned pro in February 2020, edging out fellow countryman Ali Khademi by way of razor-thin split decision. Saedi was supposed to face Bumina-ang’s teammate and featherweight standout Carlos “The Limitless” Alvarez at ONE Friday Fights 25 in July, but he withdrew from the bout after missing his scheduled flight. At ONE Friday Fights 27, the Iranian newcomer gets his second chance by moving down a weight class to square off with Bumina-ang. As the date approaches, Bumina-ang exudes confidence, expressing that he and his team have left no stone unturned in their preparations for this crucial bout. “I feel like we’ve prepared better for it. Coach Mark already has a prepared game plan for him. We just have to adjust a little, just a minor thing because I’m a southpaw,” he said. With an opportunity to establish himself on the global stage, Bumina-ang is setting his sights on a herculean effort to secure a stoppage victory. “Whatever it takes, I need to stop him. Whether it be on the ground or standing,” he said. ONE Friday Fights 27 is scheduled to happen at the world-renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The same venue will also play host to Jhanlo Sangiao’s bantamweight clash against Mongolian powerhouse Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 13 on Saturday morning, August 5.