Mark Sangiao opens up about Team Lakay fighters' departures: 'It was an amicable separation'

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao has opened up regarding the departure of his four former world champions Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario, and Joshua Pacio.

Folayang, a former ONE lightweight world champion touted as the face of Philippine mixed martial arts, rocked the local MMA landscape when he announced his departure from Team Lakay last week.

His announcement was followed up by Belingon, Banario, and Pacio respectively, which was apparently discussed behind closed doors according to Sangiao.

“We have been together for a long time. Then I noticed they got cold in training. I called them to speak so we can talk about the problem. There came a point when they wanted to leave. It is sad but it is their decision so there is nothing I can do about it,” Sangiao told Sparring Sessions.

“It was tough and it was sad. We had a closed-door meeting with the group and told them this is it. Based on history, sometimes even families have to separate," he added.

"It was an amicable separation. There was acceptance, that was when I [accepted] the fact that people come and go sometimes.”

Sangiao also said he continued to wish for good luck and success for the departing fighters.

Belingon had previously said that he and Sangiao had a positive conversation and they "ended on a good note". He also expressed his gratitude for Sangiao and wished Team Lakay well.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News