It said that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Everyday in combative sports and in our daily lives we are often forced to go through tough times. However those problems are just roadblocks that try to stop us from reaching the goals we wish to accomplish.
Born in 1990 in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines, Roldan grew up showcasing great signs of enthusiasm, drive, and exploration for the things life had to offer. He was constantly active during his teen years participating in sports such as boxing and Wushu Sanshou. These character traits made his transition into martial arts seamless.
Beginning his career at the age of 17 with boxing and sanshou, Roldan’s hunger toward the sport grew after seeing his coaches from Team Lakay, Eduard Folayang, Mark Sangiao, Kevin Belingon and Roy Docyogen dominating not only in Wushu Sanshou national championsips, but also the MMA leagues in the Philippines.
Roldan is a very athletic guy who never backs down to any challenge. This 21-year-old warrior from the Philippines is one of those fighters who you want to see banging against somebody inside the ring/cage because of his very exciting style of fighting and never-ending cardio.
Roldan is set to make his professional MMA debut against a fellow young prospect, 20-year-old Allamurad “Pretty Boy” Karayev in the highly anticipated ONE FC 4: Destiny of Warriors on June 23rd in KL, Malaysia.
Here is our interview with rising Team Lakay fighter, Roldan “The Executioner” Sangcha-an.
MMAOrient: What was the first martial art that you’ve learned?
Roldan:
When I was a kid, I remembered me and my playmates are kicking and punching each other because that’s the way how we play as a kid. Then one day, one of my friends invited me to train Wushu Sanshou and the rest is history.
MMAOrient: When did you start training Wushu?
Roldan:
I started in 2007 when I was 17. I’m so greatful because I’ve learned how to punch and kick properly because of Sanshou.
MMAOrient: Why did you chose mma over other sports?
Roldan:
I chose this sport because it taught me how to discipline myself in a good way. My coaches at Team Lakay, Mark Sangiao and Eduard Folayang were also the reasons why I love this sport. They are true champions outside and inside the ring; they’ve taught me how to become a better and productive person. This sport also helps me to finance my needs, especially my education.
MMAOrient: Do you have any fight name?
Roldan:
Coach Mark Sangiao gave me the fight name “The Executioner” because every time I fight, I’m always looking to win an impressive fashion.
MMAOrient: You are training with some of the best mma fighters in Asia. Give us your thoughts on being a Team Lakay fighter.
Roldan:
I’m so gratified being a part of such a great team. My coaches taught me how to be respectful and love my self and others. I’m so proud because I’m a Team Lakay fighter.
MMAOrient: What’s your ultimate goal in your fighting career?
Roldan:
Ultimate goal is to become a mma world champion.
MMAOrient: What’s your favorite strike/submission to use in any fight?
Roldan:
I love throwing kicks and using my wrestiling.
MMAOrient: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Roldan:
Coaches Mark and Eduard are my inspirations. They are true warriors and a very down-to-earth human being. Even though they’re famous in this sport, you will never see them doing stupid things outside and inside the ring. They are helping those fighters who are just starting to make their names in this sport and I’m so thankful because I’m one of those lucky fighters.
MMAOrient: Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to the ground?
Roldan:
I love taking my opponents to the ground, but this is mma, in order for you to become a champion, you must be skillfull in every aspect of the game.
MMAOrient: You are a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management student in Baguio. Does being a student affect your training?
Roldan:
There are tons of school works to do especially that I’m a graduating student. But as Coach Mark said, everything should be done in balanced manner. When I have an upcoming fight, I make sure that before I go to the gym and train, all of my school works are already done.
MMAOrient:You will be making your professional mma debut in the largest mma promotion in Asia. What are your thoughts on fighting under the ONE FC banner?
Roldan:
I’m very honored and excited to make my pro mma debut in the largest mma promotion in Asia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s why I’ll do my best to win.
MMAOrient: You’ll be facing Allamurad “Pretty Boy” Karayev, a 20-year-old unbeaten fighter with an impressive 9-0 record. Can you tell us a little bit about how your preparations are going for that match-up?
Roldan:
All I know about my opponent is that he’s a very good striker. I’m training very hard for this fight; I’m working on my striking and grappling as well. I will be hundred percent prepared on June 23rd.
MMAOrient: What can One Fighting Championship fans expect from you on June 23?
Roldan:
Fans can expect fireworks for this fight. I’ll be giving my best to win this fight and I’m sure Pretty Boy will bring his “A” game that’s why I’m very confident that we will give our fans a hell of a fight.
MMAOrient: Without giving your entire gameplan away, how would you win this fight ideally?
Roldan:
I am really looking for a KO win, but I’m sure he’s a tough fighter so I’m ready to go three rounds with this guy.
MMAOrient: Do you have any message to Pretty Boy?
Roldan:
To my opponent, let us give our best for this fight; let us give the fans a fight they will never forget.
MMAOrient: Any people/sponsors you would like to thank?
Roldan:
First of all, I want to thank the president of Wushu Cordillera Administrative Region chapter, Mr. Tony Candelaria, my Coaches, Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon and Roy “The Punisher” Docyogen and Honorio “The Rock” Banario. Also, to my teammates and to those Team Lakay fans who are always there for our team, Thank you all!
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