Philippine mixed martial arts prospect Jhanlo Mark Sangiao continues to build his reputation as one of the country’s brightest young talents in the sport, and he is now preparing for another major test inside the ONE Championship cage.
The rising Filipino fighter is set to make his first ONE Championship appearance of the year when he faces Marcos Aurelio in a highly anticipated bantamweight bout at ONE Fight Night 46 on August 15 at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The bout marks Sangiao’s return to competition after an extended break and provides another opportunity for the Team Lakay product to showcase his growth against international opposition. Both fighters have officially agreed to the matchup, with their respective camps signing contracts to finalize the contest.
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Sangiao, the son of Team Lakay founder Mark Sangiao, has carried high expectations since entering the professional MMA scene. With a strong foundation built through years of training under one of the Philippines’ most respected martial arts camps, the 23-year-old has steadily developed into one of the country’s most promising young fighters.
Before making his mark in ONE Championship, Sangiao enjoyed success at the junior level, where he demonstrated his technical ability, discipline, and competitive mindset. His performances have continued to attract attention as he transitions into the deeper waters of professional MMA.
Despite the long layoff, Sangiao remains confident heading into his return fight and is determined to deliver another impressive performance for Filipino fans.
“First na laro natin this year kaya gagawin ko lahat ng makakaya ko para maipanalo ulit ang laban na to,” Sangiao said in a media interaction.
The upcoming matchup will not be an unfamiliar challenge for Sangiao, as Aurelio has already faced a fighter from the Team Lakay camp. The Brazilian previously competed against Carlo Von Bumina-ang in his ONE Championship debut in January 2026.
🥋 Jhanlo Mark Sangiao opens up after first career loss: “I can’t just play around” 🧠🔥
The 22-year-old Team Lakay prodigy was handed his first defeat by #4 contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, and he’s owning it fully:
🗣️ “I wasn’t mature enough in my first fights. I was just… pic.twitter.com/YgPGQmRFfm
— World of MMA (@worldofmixedma) May 31, 2025
However, Aurelio’s first appearance inside the ONE cage did not go according to plan, as he suffered a second-round knockout defeat against Bumina-ang. Despite the loss, the Brazilian remains a dangerous opponent with international experience and will be looking to bounce back with a statement victory.
For Sangiao, Aurelio’s previous fight against Bumina-ang provided valuable information that could help shape his strategy for the August showdown. The young Filipino revealed that he sought advice from his Team Lakay teammates to better understand Aurelio’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies inside the cage.
“Nung nalaman ko na si Aurelio ang makakalaro ko na nakaharap ni Manong Von, agad kong tinanong kung anong kahinaan at kalakasan ni Aurelio noong nagharap sila. Malaking tulong ang advice at tips sa akin ni Manong Van sa aking paghahanda para sa aking parating na laban ngayong Agosto 15,” he added.
The guidance from Team Lakay veterans remains a crucial advantage for Sangiao as he continues to develop his own style while benefiting from the experience of fighters who have competed at the highest levels of MMA.
Sangiao enters the bout following a successful performance in his most recent ONE Championship appearance. He last competed on July 12, 2025, at ONE Fight Night 33, where he secured an impressive victory over Mongolia’s Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg via third-round submission.
That win highlighted Sangiao’s improving grappling skills and ability to maintain composure during high-pressure moments. His submission victory also reinforced his reputation as a well-rounded fighter capable of competing in multiple areas of MMA.
The upcoming clash with Aurelio represents another important step in Sangiao’s professional journey. A victory would further strengthen his position among ONE Championship’s emerging bantamweight contenders and continue the legacy of Team Lakay on the global stage.
With his combination of youth, talent, championship-level training, and the support of one of the Philippines’ most respected MMA teams, Sangiao enters ONE Fight Night 46 determined to prove that he belongs among the sport’s elite prospects.
As he returns to action after a lengthy break, Filipino MMA fans will be watching closely to see whether the young Team Lakay standout can deliver another memorable performance and move one step closer toward becoming a major force in ONE Championship.
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