For Filipino martial artist and national athlete Jean Claude Saclag, every fight is more than just a competition—it’s a tribute to his heritage.
If you’ve ever watched Saclag enter the combat arena, you might have noticed the striking headdress he wears. More than just an eye-catching accessory, it’s called the Lawi—a symbol of courage, victory, and the warrior spirit of his Kalinga ancestors.
“Every time I step into the cage, I carry with me the spirit of my ancestors,” said Saclag, a three-time Southeast Asian Games champion and a top contender in ONE Championship.
“The Lawi is not just for show—it represents bravery, honor, and the legacy of the Kalinga warriors who came before me. In the past, our ancestors had to earn the right to wear it through acts of courage and triumph in battle,” he explained.
While the battlefield has changed, Saclag remains devoted to keeping the warrior tradition alive.
“In this modern era, I continue that legacy—not through headhunting, but through mixed martial arts,” he said. “My opponents are not enemies, but challengers. With every fight, I carry the same pride and determination that my forefathers had. The Lawi is not just a symbol of where I come from—it’s my vow to honor my heritage with every battle, win or lose.”
Nicknamed ‘The Dynamite’, Saclag is fresh off a dominant performance at ONE Friday Fights 78 in Thailand, where he overwhelmed South Korea’s Lee “Bad Guy” Jun Young with a relentless barrage of strikes. The fight lasted only 1 minute and 34 seconds into the first round, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous rising stars in the promotion.
For the 27-year-old, the victory still feels surreal.
“I still have to pinch myself. This is everything I worked for, but when it finally happened, it felt like a dream come true,” he admitted.
With this emphatic win, Saclag has caught the attention of the global MMA community. Another standout performance could earn him a $100,000 contract and a coveted spot on the ONE Championship main roster—a milestone he’s determined to reach.
“The win was huge, but I know I can achieve even more,” Saclag said. “My focus is on making it to the main roster and proving to the world what I’m truly capable of.”