Kevin Belingon expresses gratitude to Team Lakay coach, wants to work on jiu-jitsu game

Former ONE bantamweight world champion Kevin Belingon's desire to focus on improving his ground game was among the reasons why he opted to leave the fabled Team Lakay of Baguio City.

Belingon, 20-10 as a professional mixed martial artist, was the second key member from the stable to announce his departure from Team Lakay last week. According to the ex-world champ, it was tough to say goodbye but was something needed to be done.

“I want to venture out and improve on what I need to improve with my skills which is why I left the team. I personally talked to coach (Mark Sangiao) and it was a positive conversation and we ended on a good note,” Belingon said in an interview on Sparring Sessions.

“It was tough for me [to say goodbye] because I have been with the team for sixteen years, but it has to be done for myself while I still have the strength to compete,” he continued.

“I want to maximize my potential and venture out to know what else is out there for me. Our friendship is still there but I am no longer part of the team. We know that I need BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) so that is one of the things I need to focus on and improve on.”

After sixteen years of ups and downs with Team Lakay, Belingon had nothing but praise for his former coach Mark Sangiao as he bid the latter an emotional farewell message.

“To coach, thank you for everything. We are just here. Thank you for everything you did for us. It was just us who helped each other to uplift Team Lakay. Thank you and good luck to your journey with Team Lakay,” Belingon stated.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News