BAGUIO CITY — Jean Claude Saclag might have won all the accolades he could in the amateur ranks but his time with the Philippine team is not yet over.

Nevertheless, the 28–year–old native of Lubuagan, Kalinga and Kapangan, Benguet is also looking forward to compete in another level and hopes to join his fellow Team Lakay fighters in the professional ranks as a mixed martial artist.    

“Hopefully later this year,” the youngest among the thirteen children of Lubuagan former vice mayor Patricio Saclag and Judith Kitong said.

Bagging a gold during the 2023 PAN ASIAN International Open (No Gi), Saclag said he is keen on fighting in the professional ranks and hopefully create a mark just like his achievement with the Philippine team.

His first foray into the national team earned him a bronze during the 2013 Wushu World Championship – in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Saclag achieved his greatest milestone in Sanda in 2014, securing the gold medal at the Sanda World Cup in Jakarta.

He continued his success by earning a silver medal in the Asian Games held in Incheon, Korea.

He then shifted to kickboxing and had another fruitful stint, bagging gold medals during the 2019, 2021, and 2023 edition of the Southeast Asian Games including a gold during the 2022 Asian Kickboxing Championship.          

Beyond his martial arts experience, Saclag emphasizes that his speed and aggressiveness will be significant factors when he enters the professional fighting arena.

While keeping amateur competitions on the backburner, Saclag is now dedicated to comprehensive MMA training, aspiring to secure a spot in the professional ranks.

“Right now, I’m working on my ground game kaya double time sa training to be prepared,” the former University of the Cordilleras student who debuted in Shotoo MMA in 2019 but lost to Ryo Okada.

However, Saclag mentioned that the decision ultimately lies with Coach Mark Sangiao, who recently traveled to Thailand with his son Jhanlo, set to compete in the undercard of ONE Fight Night 13 against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu on August 5, and Carlo Von Bumina-ang, scheduled to face Reza Saedi on August 4 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.