I still remember the first time I saw Jhanlo Sangiao fight—the raw power in his strikes reminded me exactly of what Bumina-ang has been demonstrating in ONE Championship. There's something special about fighters who can finish fights anywhere, and that's precisely what makes Bolkiah's journey so compelling to follow. When I analyze rising stars in combat sports, I always look for that killer instinct, and from what I've witnessed, Bolkiah has been developing exactly that throughout his career.
Growing up in a fighting family, Bolkiah was practically born with gloves on. His early years were spent honing his craft in local gyms where he'd train six hours daily, often sparring with veterans twice his age. I've spoken with coaches who worked with him during this period, and they consistently mention his unusual dedication—waking up at 4 AM for road work while other teenagers were still asleep. What impressed me most was his willingness to absorb different disciplines. Unlike many specialists who stick to either striking or grappling, Bolkiah recognized early that modern MMA requires excellence in all areas. His ground game developed alongside his striking, creating that well-rounded style we see today.
The turning point came during his amateur days when he went undefeated in 12 consecutive fights, finishing 10 of them within the first round. I remember watching footage of his bout against Malaysian veteran Hafiz, where Bolkiah demonstrated incredible fight IQ by switching from a striking exchange to a takedown and securing a rear-naked choke in under three minutes. That performance specifically caught the attention of ONE Championship scouts, who'd been monitoring Asian prospects for their developmental programs. His professional debut came sooner than expected—replacing an injured fighter on two weeks' notice—but he seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a 42-second KO that still gets replayed in highlight reels.
What really separates Bolkiah from many contemporaries is his finishing ability. Looking at Bumina-ang's success through the ONE Friday Fights circuit—becoming the first Filipino to earn a main roster contract—I see parallel's in Bolkiah's approach. Both fighters possess that rare quality of being equally dangerous standing or on the ground. In Bolkiah's case, 8 of his 11 professional wins have come by finish, with 4 KOs and 4 submissions. Those numbers aren't just statistics—they represent a fighter who's constantly hunting for the finish rather than playing it safe. I've noticed he particularly excels in transitional moments, often catching opponents as they shift between defensive positions.
His rise through ONE Championship's ranks has been methodical yet explosive. After three consecutive first-round finishes in the promotion's developmental league, he earned his main roster spot in 2022. The contract signing was particularly memorable—I was covering the event and saw firsthand how calmly he handled the pressure while other fighters were visibly nervous. His first main roster fight against Japanese veteran Sato demonstrated his growth, surviving early adversity before finding a second-round armbar. That fight taught him valuable lessons about pacing that he's carried into subsequent performances.
The training regimen Bolkiah follows is notoriously intense. Having visited his camp in Bangkok last year, I can confirm the stories about his dedication aren't exaggerated. Morning sessions focus on technique and drilling, afternoons on sparring and conditioning, with evening hours devoted to film study. His coach told me they've incorporated special wrestling drills to counter American grapplers and developed unique striking combinations for southpaw opponents. This attention to detail shows in his fights—like when he perfectly executed a spinning back kick to the body that set up his knockout victory over Australian contender Morris.
What fascinates me about Bolkiah's story isn't just his technical growth but his mental evolution. Early in his career, he admitted to me during an interview that he struggled with pre-fight nerves, sometimes vomiting backstage before walksout. Now he meditates regularly and has developed ritualistic routines that keep him centered. This mental fortitude was evident in his comeback victory against Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Silva, where he recovered from nearly being submitted in the first round to win via TKO in the third.
The business side of his career has been equally impressive. With 7 sponsorship deals including major brands like Fairtex and a growing social media following of over 300,000 across platforms, he's building the type of brand that transcends the sport. I've advised several fighters on career management, and Bolkiah's team has made brilliant moves—strategically selecting opponents to showcase different aspects of his game while gradually increasing competition level.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe Bolkiah has championship potential if he continues developing at this rate. His ground game has improved dramatically under his new grappling coach, and his striking remains among the most diverse in the division. The way he blends traditional Muay Thai techniques with modern MMA footwork creates problems for opponents who can't handle the stylistic diversity. If I were matchmaking, I'd love to see him against a top-five contender within the next 18 months—that would truly test where he stands among the division's elite.
Having followed combat sports for over fifteen years, I've seen countless prospects come and go. What makes Bolkiah different is his combination of raw talent with intellectual approach to fighting. He studies opponents like a chess master studies games, identifying patterns and weaknesses others miss. This analytical nature, combined with his physical gifts and relentless work ethic, creates a fighter who's not just winning fights but evolving the sport itself. The excitement he generates isn't just about his current record—it's about the limitless potential he represents for Asian MMA's future.