Team Lakay has unearthed another hidden gem in Jean Claude Saclag.
The rising Filipino star is making serious noise in the world’s largest martial arts organization, notching his third victory on the ONE Friday Fights circuit.
Saclag, 5-2, demolished Juan “El Patrón” Trujillo at ONE Friday Fights 127 on October 3, delivering a spectacular first-round finish that showcased his elite potential.
For the Team Lakay standout, this wasn’t just another fight. It was redemption, wrapped in urgency.
After suffering a submission loss to Shazada Ataev last May, Saclag carried the weight of that defeat into every training session. Given the fierce competition in ONE’s flyweight ranks, he couldn’t afford to lose ground.
Win and rebuild momentum, or lose and stall his rise. The 31-year-old striker said:
“That fight was a must-win situation for me and the team. The pressure was there as I had to prove that I’m still a strong contender, [since] I was defeated in my last fight. I am so thankful I won.”
Saclag went out like a man possessed.
The Wushu specialist didn’t waste time, uncorking the kind of finish that gets replayed on highlight reels for years.
In the blink of an eye, Saclag unleashed a pinpoint spinning back kick that landed flush on Trujillo’s liver. The Colombian crumpled instantly, writhing in pain as he hit the canvas.
The Team Lakay upstart pounced, delivering follow-up strikes for good measure before the referee waved off the contest for the TKO victory. It was his third stoppage in as many wins in the home of martial arts.
But despite his early success, Saclag isn’t satisfied. He refuses to rest on his laurels, sharpening every weapon in his already dangerous arsenal.
One goal drives him: the life-changing $100,000 contract and a spot on ONE Championship’s main roster.
Teammate Carlo Bumina-ang showed him the way, grinding through victories to earn that coveted six-figure contract.
Every fight from here is an audition, and Saclag knows there’s no margin for error.
He added:
“For now, I need to stay sharp, be ready for whatever or whoever they will give me. I must keep on winning until I get the contract to the main roster.”
Fight Game Asia 