Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is ready to put his first professional loss behind him when he returns to action against Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg at ONE Fight Night 33 on July 11th at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Filipino bantamweight (8-1 MMA, 2-1 ONE) suffered his first defeat in August 2023 when he was submitted by Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, a setback that served as a wake-up call for the 23-year-old Team Lakay product.
"I was playing around," Sangiao admitted. "I wasn't mature enough. I was just going through the motions and merely enjoying the moment."
Now facing another Mongolian opponent in Zoltsetseg, Sangiao believes he has identified the key to victory and has prepared accordingly during his time away from competition.
"His ground game is his weakness, for sure, and I'm gonna bring him there," said Sangiao, who plans to utilize his grappling advantage against the knockout artist.
The Team Lakay fighter has been working with some of the promotion's most dangerous strikers to prepare for Zoltsetseg's stand-up game. His training partners include Carlo "The Bull" Bumina-ang and Wushu World Champion Jean Claude Saclag, both known for their explosive striking ability.
"I train with better strikers and fighters who hit heavier than him," Sangiao explained. "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."
Beyond the physical preparation, Sangiao says he's also mentally prepared for whatever psychological tactics his opponent might employ during the fight.
"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," he stated.
The bantamweight contender is confident that fans will see significant improvements when he steps back into the Circle next month.
"Expect a better Jhanlo Sangiao, expect an upgraded version of 'The Machine' when I return. Expect a finish," he said.
