Two years of soul-searching and skill development have led Jhanlo Mark Sangiao to this moment of redemption, where he promises to deliver a statement finish against explosive knockout artist Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg in their forthcoming bantamweight MMA clash.
The Filipino phenom began his career with six consecutive first-round stoppage victories before suffering his first setback, and now, he is determined to bounce back into the winner’s circle and get revenge against his Mongolian rival’s compatriot.
That highly anticipated battle opens ONE Fight Night 33: Rodrigues Vs. Persson on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 11.
Sangiao, known by his nickname “The Machine,” has undergone a complete transformation since suffering his first career loss to #4-ranked bantamweight MMA contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in August 2023.
The Team Lakay prince had dominated the early stages of his career with his well-rounded wushu-influenced style, which seamlessly blends devastating striking with elite grappling. However, that early success had made him complacent, and the Mongolian veteran took full advantage of that, ultimately overwhelming the Filipino en route to a second-round submission.
That heartbreaking defeat served as the wake-up call Sangio desperately needed:
“Honestly, I felt like in my first few fights I was playing around. I felt like I wasn’t mature enough. I was just going through the motions and just merely enjoying the moment. But then I faced Enkh-Orgil, and that fight really reminded me that I can’t just play around.”
The son of Filipino MMA pioneer Mark Sangiao has spent the past two years refining his approach to the sport. His training camp has been centered around leveling up his skills and, more specifically, countering Zoltsetseg’s massive striking power.
Sangiao’s strategy centers on exploiting what he sees as a glaring hole in his opponent’s game. The 23-year-old possesses a frightening array of tools, from his wushu-inspired spinning back kicks that can cover tremendous distance to his death-defying double-leg takedowns. His ability to throw heavy punches in bunches makes him dangerous on the feet, while his submission repertoire and ground strikes become lethal once he secures top position.
Sooner or later, “The Machine” expects the action to hit the mat, and that’s right where he wants the Mongolian hard-hitter:
“His ground game is his weakness, for sure, and I’m gonna bring him there.”
Sangiao Draws Strength From His Filipino MMA Training Partners
The bantamweight MMA star has found inspiration in the caliber of training partners surrounding him at Team Lakay. Rather than feeling intimidated by Zoltsetseg’s reputation as a knockout artist, Sangiao believes his daily preparation has equipped him for anything the Mongolian can offer.
His sparring sessions include work with some of the most dangerous strikers in the sport, giving him confidence that he can handle whatever power shots come his way on fight night.
Sangiao offered:
“If I’m gonna be honest with you, I train with better strikers and fighters who hit heavier than him here in Team Lakay. You look at who I’m training with, I’m working with ‘The Bull’ Carlo Bumina-ang. I’m working with Wushu World Champion Jean Claude Saclag, one of the most explosive strikers in the promotion, so I’m prepared for his striking, for sure.”
The relationship with fellow bantamweight Bumina-ang has proven particularly valuable in his development. Training alongside another world-class fighter in the same division has created an environment where both athletes push each other to higher levels.
Sangiao’s maturity extends beyond technical improvements to mental fortitude. He expects Zoltsetseg to lean on his signature psychological warfare, which often features showboating and trash talk during the fight.
But the Filipino believes his newfound composure will keep him focused on executing his game plan. The opportunity to defeat a Mongolian opponent carries extra significance after his loss to Baatarkhuu, adding another layer of motivation to his preparation.
Sangiao offered:
“I expect him to come out showboating. But I won’t be affected. I must not be affected. I have to focus on the game plan and focus on the win. Expect a better Jhanlo Sangiao, expect an upgraded version of ‘The Machine’ when I return. Expect a finish. I really want to finish this so we Filipinos can get back at the Mongolians who’ve been beating us for the longest time.”
