When Jean Claude last time entered the ONE Lumpinee ring in Bangkok, Thailand, he made sure that he will finish his opponent as early as the first round.
But his last bout against Shazada Ataev was a different one.
Saclag was winning in the exchange until his undefeated opponent was able to sneak an armbar when the action got to the ground.
It was the end of his two – fight win streak in Oen Championship’s developmental league.
Although it was a tough loss, the three – time Southeast Asian Games kickboxing gold medalist believe he has a lot more to learn when it comes to fighting in higher level of competitions.
The loss, Saclag said, will be used as a fuel to further improve his skills and remains optimistic he will get another chance to showcase the wares that won him medals in international martial arts competitions.
“Dahil sa resulta ng huling laban ko lalo pa akong na motivate at matutunan ang mga naging kulang ko at lalo kong mas higitan ang aking ensayo. Excited akong lumaban ulit para maipakita ko ang aking improvements,” said Saclag.
Saclag added his recent fight against Ataev pave the way for more realizations in his game.
“Sa huling laro ko, natutunan kong huwag mag madali at kelangan maging compose sa loob ng ring,” added Saclag.
The former Philippine team mainstay said he is still trying to adjust to the facets of MMA, particularly transitioning to ground game and grappling, although he has been into combative sports at his early age.
With his pinpoint striking, Saclag showcased them in his debut in September last year as he needed a minute and 34 seconds to finish off Lee Jun Young in the first round and in January this year, it took him 3:37 to stop Fajar in the opening canto.
Saclag added improving his grappling and ground game will be one of his priority every training camp.
“Nakita naman natin na sa ground talaga ako na dominante ng aking kalaban sa huling laban ko. Kaya gagawin ko ang lahat para makahabol ako sa grappling,” Saclag said. Roderick Osis