Filipino fighter Jean Claude Saclag In the semifinals of the men’s traditional -65kg mixed martial arts competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Photo courtesy of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media Pool.(UPDATED) Jean Claude Saclag has inched closer to bringing Asian Games gold to the Philippines in the men’s traditional -65kg mixed martial arts competition.
The Cordillera fighter advanced to the finals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games after overcoming Japan’s Daisuke Murayama, 3-0, in the semifinals on Monday at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center.
Saclag dictated the pace from the opening bell, using his superior striking to keep Murayama from unleashing his dangerous ground game.
"Ramdam ko na mas malakas ako. Na-overpower ko siya," said Saclag, who will face Tajikistan's Otabek Rajabov for the gold medal on Sept. 22.
Filipino fighter Jean Claude Saclag In the semifinals of the men’s traditional -65kg mixed martial arts competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Photo courtesy of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media Pool.
With a historic gold within reach, Saclag intends to stick with the same aggressive yet disciplined strategy in the championship bout.
"Sanay naman tayo lumaban sa finals, kaya mas lalo akong na-inspire. Iba pa rin 'to. Asian Games 'to, eh," Saclag said in a video interview with One Sports after the match.
Saclag acknowledged that Murayama's strength on the ground made him wary of engaging too closely, forcing him to rely on distance, precision striking and takedown defense throughout the semifinal.
"Kailangan keep natin 'yung distance, saktan natin siya, tapos depensahan natin 'yung takedowns niya," he said.
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In the quarterfinals, Saclag defeated Saudi Arabia’s Saud Fawaz Almolhem T, 3-0, on Sunday to book his spot in the semifinals.