Team Lakay members Joshua “The Passion” Pacio and Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio appreciate the effort of their mentor — Mark Sangiao — now that they are coaching at the ONE Warrior Series: Philippines.
Eustaquio said handling eight of the 16 aspiring mixed martial arts fighters rekindled the spark in him as he sees his wards’ motivation to win the $100,000 ONE Championship contract.
ONE Warrior Series is set to take place in Baguio City and will air on GTV every Sunday from 18 September to 27 November.
Whoever wins in this reality show will be given a chance to fight as an undercard in the ONE Championship event in December.
“Coach Mark’s job is a big deal,” said Eustaquio, a former ONE flyweight champion.
“You have to treat your athletes like your own sons or daughters so that they will be able to reach their dreams in life.”
“You have to extend the ultimate sacrifice to reach your goals as a team and I have seen and experienced that during my time at ONE Warriors Series: Philippines.”
Pacio, the defending ONE strawweight champion, said it is a privilege to step into the shoes of Sangiao and experience what it feels like to be outside the ONE circle during a fight.
“It’s a privilege for me to experience what coach Mark feels during every fight and every training,” said Pacio, who will also handle eight fighters.
“At least I was able to experience how he felt during those times.”
Sangiao is happy to see his wards spread the lessons he taught to them and hopes to see them take up coaching as well after this MMA careers.
“We can see that they have a passion for being an athlete,” Sangiao said.
“After that, what’s next? They were able to share what they have learned and I am honored and we were able to share our lessons so that they can become coaches too one day.”
