Team Lakay is set to host the 45th edition of the Grappler’s Cup on Dec. 14 at the YMCA Baguio, hoping to break its previous participation records for the Northern Luzon region’s longest-running grappling tournament.
The event, first staged in 2008, is expected to draw nearly 100 grapplers from across Baguio, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos, and as far as Metro Manila. The tournament has been a pivotal force in shaping the local mixed martial arts (MMA) grappling landscape, with Team Lakay consistently at the forefront of promoting the sport and developing athletes in the Cordillera region.
Team Lakay, which topped the 44th edition in September, enters the competition as the likely favorite. However, they anticipate stiff opposition from local MMA and grappling clubs, including Checkmat.ph, which secured the overall title in the 43rd staging.
“The Grappler’s Cup is just one of the many grassroots training and exposure opportunities we provide in our quest to discover talent,” said Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao, who views the cup as a vital part of the training necessary for success in both national and international competitions, noting that the event has produced numerous champions over its 44 previous editions.
The previous tournament also notably featured the debut of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) grappling team.
The one-day event encourages fighters aged 16 and above to test their skills in a competitive environment that mirrors the essential ground-game elements required for professional MMA.
The tournament is supported by YMCA Baguio, Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap, KM Ngayon Na Partylist, and Fairtex. Team Lakay PR