After nearly two years away from competition, Jhanlo Mark Sangiao has one birthday wish – to finish his Mongolian opponent in devastating fashion at ONE Fight Night 33 on Saturday.
The Team Lakay phenom successfully passed his weigh-in and hydration tests Thursday evening, setting the stage for his highly anticipated return against Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
“It can be KO or submission,” Sangiao said when asked for his prediction after making weight.
The 23-year-old bantamweight is eager to get closer to the top-five rankings after suffering his first career loss to #4-ranked contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu.
“It is very important. I need to grab this opportunity for me to be back into the winner’s circle and into the [top-five] rankings,” Sangiao said.
Despite facing an opponent known for having tremendous knockout power, “The Machine” remains unfazed by the challenge ahead.
“Yes, he is an explosive striker, but I believe in my striking as well. There is no reason for me to feel threatened,” he said.
The emotions heading into his comeback match feel familiar to the young Filipino fighter.
“I remember my feeling during my debut fight, it’s the same feeling I have now. Excited, a bit anxious, mixed emotions,” Sangiao said.
Known for his first-round finishing ability in his previous ONE Championship victories, Sangiao is banking on Filipino support to fuel him to victory.
“I need my Kababayan to watch as their support gives me that special push to prevail,” he said.
Adding a personal touch to his fight week, Sangiao shared that his coach made him a unique birthday cake while he was cutting weight.
“My Coach made a literal banana birthday cake. He pinned number 23 on the banana, and I wished – this all happened while I was sweating and cutting weight. But it’s okay, I can have my real cake after my fight,” he said, smiling.
Filipino fans can watch ONE Fight Night 33 live on Saturday, July 12, via the Pilipinas Live app or by tuning in to One Sports.
