Team Lakay’s new breed of fighters are proving to the world that they are just more than a striking team as Nahuel Gandolfi and Chad Mayos stopped their respective opponents on the ground.
Gandolfi needed just a minute in the first round to finish Aljon Parba via a traingle choke in the main event of the 20th Team Lakay Championships: Benguet Explosion 3 recently.
Mayos also came charging in with an impressive first round rear naked choke win against Israel Balisacan in the event made part of the Adivay Festival coinciding with Benguet’s founding anniversary and supported by Cong. Eric Go Yap.
“I saw the opportunity to catch him for a guillotine and make a transition. A fight is a fight, you cannot underestimate your opponent,” said Gandolfi.
With his impressive win, Gandolfi, the Argentinian who moved to Benguet province during the pandemic, hopes to get a call from One Championship in the near future.
“I think I’m improving and when the time comes, I hope coach Mark (Sangiao) will give me the chance to go to One Championship. That’s my dream and I want to represent the Philippines,” Gandolfi said.
Prior to coming to Benguet and training with Team Lakay, Gandlofi was already competing in MMA with a 12 – 4 win loss record that includes nine stoppages via submission.
Gandolfi, now tots 16 – 4 in his resume after seeing action in recent four Team Lakay Championships events, and winning all of them.
“Team Lakay is one of the best in the world. In many occasion, they helped me in my conditioning and my strength and my striking, and my mind. They push you all the time,” added the Argentinian fighter.
Mary Grace Carluen meanwhile stopped Criselyn Lusadan with a second round TKO while Kurt Jio Nais-od edged Ryan Banisal in the third round via a rear naked choke.
Joshua Piggangay had to go the full route in winning against Harizz Paddison Luyo with a unanimous decision while Wilmer Salpad stopped Errol George Lapic in the first round via a guillotine choke.
Brandon Albis scored a unanimous decision win against Jony Earl Caoalo while Dalemarrie Mayos edged Roxanne Cabildo with a first round scarfhold americana in the first round as Justine Somera knocked out Januel Frits Castillo in the second round.
Gian Carlo also pulled off a unanimous decision victory against Clifford Sadagan in the event also supported by Fairtex, General Petroleum, Encam Agri Marketing, Hiraya Specialty Creations by Chef Yuma, Baguio Country Sounds, Afar Cafe, HQ Lounge and Ilustrado.
