23/09/2026
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The past 4 days brought a whirlwind of headlines about the ongoing 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. And among the names that took center stage were Team Lakayโs Jean Claude โThe Dynamiteโ Saclag and Carlos "The Limitless" Alvarez.
This year, the Asian Games is debuting the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event. Saclag and Alvarez were called up to represent the Philippines in the Traditional MMA category. They are the pioneering athletes to represent the country in MMA, and they didnโt disappoint. They made the most out of it, creating their own moments of glory.
But even before they stepped onto the mats of the Asian Games, they needed to qualify for the event. Earlier this year, Saclag, Alvarez, and other national team athletes competed in the 4th AMMA World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Saclag secured the gold medal, and Alvarez nabbed bronze. Those medals gave them the right to compete during the 2026 Asian Games.
Only 3 athletes were given the chance to compete, including Saclag and Alvarez. They prepared and trained for months for the Asian Games. Literal blood, sweat, and tears were shed to represent the country. And it paid off.
Carlos Alvarez secured the bronze medal in the -77kg division. The 2nd bronze medal of the country.
Meanwhile, JeanClaude Saclag grabbed the silver medal in the -65kg division. The 1st silver medal of the country.
But more than that, these medals are the first podium finishes of the Philippines in MMA at the Asian Games. A pioneering status.
These achievements will forever be recorded in Philippine sports history.
There will be naysayers and negative comments, but at the core of it, this is a moment that will be looked upon as one of the countryโs moments of glory.
These achievements make the Philippines an MMA powerhouse in Asia. And leading it are none other than Team Lakay athletes.
Saclag and Alvarez are still in the early stages of their MMA careers. There are more to come for these Lakays.
But for now, CONGRATULATIONS to JeanClaude Saclag and Carlos Alvarez.
We know how much effort and sacrifice it took for you guys to compete in this yearโs Asian Games. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, GUYS!
Come home safe!
Philippine Sports Commission
Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas
POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH
