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By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Filipino mixed martial arts Jenel Lausa made an impressive debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) following a unanimous decision win over Chinese Yao Zhikui on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
The Concepcion, Iloilo-native Lausa got the nod of all three judges — 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 — to tally his fifth consecutive mixed martial arts win, first under the famous MMA promotion.
“I want to thank all of my family, my wife and son, my team, my fans especially the Ilonggos, everyone who has always supported me in the Philippines,” said the 28-year-old Lausa.
“I am especially thankful to God for this blessing. This win is going to be the first of many,” he added. “I hope to get more blessings, more fights and hopefully I will eventually get to the UFC belt.”
Both fighters exchanged attacks early in the first round with Lausa unloading his left hook and Yao countering with leg kicks. Late in the period, Lausa let go of an overhand right that badly hurt Yao.
Lausa continued his dominance in the second round as he flattened Yao with a head kick. The Chinese retaliated as he took down Lausa but failed to force the Filipino to tap out.
In the third round, Lausa caught his breath and preceded to dominate Yao with more right hands that knocked him to the mat. Yao tried his best to counter but failed to execute a submission move.
With the victory, Lausa, a former Pacific Xtreme Combat flyweight champion, improved his win-loss-draw record to 7-2-0, including two stoppage wins, while Yao’s record slid down to 2-5-0./PN
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