Team Lakay fighters shine in Asian Games

BAGUIO CITY — Team Lakay fighters Jean Claude “The Dynamite” Saclag and Carlos “The Limitless” Alvarez carried the fight for the Philippines after winning silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the mixed martial arts (MMA) competition of the 2026 Asian Games. Saclag secured the silver medal in the men’s under 65-kilogram traditional MMA division, while Alvarez took bronze in the -77kg category. The medals marked the Philippines’ first podium finishes in MMA at the Asian Games, which introduced the sport to its competition program this year. Saclag and Alvarez were among the Philippine athletes selected to compete in the inaugural Asian Games event. Both fighters earned their places in the national team after impressive performances in the 4th AMMA World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, earlier this year. Saclag won the gold medal in his division, while Alvarez claimed bronze. The two Team Lakay fighters subsequently underwent preparations for their Asian Games campaign before competing in Nagoya. Saclag’s silver gave the Philippines its first silver medal in MMA at the Asian Games, while Alvarez added the country’s second bronze medal in the sport. Their finishes also established the Philippines among the medal-winning nations in the inaugural Asian Games MMA competition. Fight fans claimed the podium finishes added another milestone to...