By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) superstars Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Joshua Pacio recently joined hands in creating the newest PHL-based MMA training ground aiming to produce more champions in the future.
The launching of the “Lions Nation MMA” was formalized last June 24, 2023, during the inauguration of the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Also partnering with Folayang, Belingon, and Pacio is Honorario Banario, another renowned Filipino MMA practitioner.
Several months ago, the PHL MMA community was stunned after the trio left their former training stable, the ever-famous Team Lakay headed by their chief mentor coach Mark Sangiao.
The fighters confirmed that everything was mutual with Sangiao and no hard feelings were shown before they split up.
It was with Team Lakay that they first tasted world championship status in the One Fighting Championship but later on failed to sustain their greatness and lost their belts in the next years.
Folayang, Pacio, and Belingon stated the exact reasons why they chose to leave and part ways with coach Sangiao, explaining that they felt there are still dimensions in their fighting career that are yet to be unlocked.
Also a major reason for their departure is that they needed growth to explore more options and be open to the possibilities of shifting gears in their fighting style to help them go back to their championship form.
Two months ago, Folayang and Pacio tested the waters in the US and ended up training at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy.
The prestigious MMA gym is handled by two of the most-sought coaches in the sport, Greg Jackson and Mike Winklejohn.
