Umabot na sa Asian mixed martial arts scene ang Team Lakay nang ginawa nila ang kanilang debut sa 30th anniversary tour show ng Shooto noong Lunes, Mayo 6 sa Tokyo, Japan.

Kahit di nagtagumpay ang trio na sina Jared Almazan, Jerome Wanawan at Jean Claude Saclag, isa pa rin itong malaking hakbang para sa Philippine mixed martial arts lalo na’t kakaunti lamang ang mga foreigners na nakakakyat sa stage.

Para kay Mark Sangiao ay malaki ang pasasalamat niya sa kanyang mga atleta na nabigyan ng pagkakataon na maghahanda rin sa mas malaki pang mga pagsubok tulad ng ONE.

“I think it’s a big thing because now, they’re being more open to us,” paliwanag ni Sangiao.

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“Before, only a few foreigners fought at this stage, so we’re thankful to be here. We just wanted to expand as well.

"This is only the beginning, and we are hoping that we can develop a very good relationship with Shooto, like what we have with ONE, so we can continuously send athletes abroad.”

Na-KO si Wanawan ni Ryohei Kuosawa, habang napasuko naman ni Koha Minowa si Almazan sa pangatlong round.

Maganda naman ang naipakitang laban ni Saclag kumpara sa dalawang kasamahan pero nagapi pa rin siya ni Ryo Okada.

“Even though we did not get a win, our new athletes were able to gain significant experience,” sabi ni Sangiao.

“Jean Claude and Jared were making their international debuts, and Jerome last fought five years ago.”

“It’s a beautiful learning experience for them. I’m sure they gained a lot, considering the level of the athletes in Shooto,” sabi niya.