EXPECT Team Lakay’s striking dynamo Jean Claude Saclag to show off new skills in his return to the ONE Championship stage in Lumpinee.
Saclag takes on Shazada Ataev at ONE Friday Fights 109 on May 23 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, in a rescheduled fight that was originally slated for ONE Friday Fights 102 on March 28.
For his head coach in Mark Sangiao, expect a more rounded Saclag when it comes to approach in his game.
"We all know the capabilities of Jean Claude. He's a world-class striker. A Wushu World Champion so we all know that his striking is on a different level. In MMA, I feel like we're gonna see the different facets of Jean Claude," Sangiao said.
For a guy who’s basically lived striking – whether it be through wushu or straight kickboxing – the way he progresses with his game on the mat is truly impressive, if Sangiao’s to be asked.
"His progress when it comes to the ground game is impressive," Sangiao said.
"It's rapid. In his last fight against Fajar, even though he got taken down, he showed the ability to get up as he quickly got back on his feet and imposed his will on the striking exchanges."
So while Saclag may still be looking for that knockout on the feet, don’t be surprised if he starts changing levels and imposing his will on the ground as well come next fight.
"In the times when he can't finish it in the striking exchanges, I'm confident in his evolving ground game to finish the fight," Sangiao said.
READ: Inspired Jhanlo Mark Sangiao raring for ONE Championship return
"That's what we're preparing him for, we're making sure he's not just purely a striker."
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