Optimistic To Win Despite Unseeded At ONE, Paul Lumihi: I'll Prove What Jhanlo Has To Offer

Paul Lumihi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Senior Indonesian fighter Paul Lumihi admits that he is optimistic about winning against rising Filipino star, Jhanlo Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, in the ONE Championship match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore, next Friday.

The former OPMMA Featherweight Champion admits it will not be easy to achieve his goal, however, he will not pass up the opportunity to return to the Circle.

"I think everyone pays more attention to Jhanlo because his father is a former champion. However, it doesn't affect me to fight. I may not be underdog this time, but I will prove what Jhanlo has to offer," Paul said as quoted by Antara.

Sangiao is the son of Filipino MMA legend Mark Sangiao, and much has been said about the 19-year-old rookie fighter. However, this doesn't seem to distract from Paul's focus, and the 33-year-old veteran from Jakarta gives a stern warning to anyone who doubts him.

Against Sangiao, Paul faced a very complete foe. Team Lakay fighters are known for their outstanding standup fighting skills, but Sangiao represents a new generation of martial arts athletes raised by the city of Baguio City.

Sangiao is a capable grappler as well as a striker. However, Paul Lumihi admits to anticipating his abilities, studying his young opponent and preparing for whatever may happen in the Circle.

“What I need to be aware of with Jhanlo's skills are his ground fights, because I've seen several videos of his fights, all of them in ground fights. Well, that's something I need to be aware of," said Paul.

Paul Lumihi has now swallowed four unlucky losses in a row. But it was a drop in performance that he believed he could reverse with a win in his next fight. In fact, Paul is very confident, and he predicts a spectacular victory.

"My prediction, as usual I will win this fight by finishing or KO in the second round," concluded Paul.

ONE: Winter Warriors II is the final event of ONE Championship 2021 and the second in the “Winter Warriors” series. In the main event, #2 flyweight challenger Danny “The King” Kingad will face 4th ranked challenger Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov.