Gina Iniong’s Unexpected Journey into the Cage
When Gina Iniong was 17, a weight of wood and sweat in the gym told her otherwise than the quiet book‑worm she’d always been. “It was just something to keep me busy at the time,” she confesses to ONE Championship. “But the more I trained, the better I got—like I was born to fight.”
Her Humble Beginnings
High school was the launchpad. Gina stumbled onto Wushu, a Chinese martial art that turns sparring into a graceful dance, and soon found herself on Team Lakay, the Philippines’ premiere X‑Force squad.
- Victories at the national Wushu championships – six titles.
- Unblemished record in the backyard tournament circuit – 14‑0.
- Code‑breaking jabs and sweeping kicks that left opponents wondering what hit them.
The Coach Who Saw the Beast
Coach Mark Sangiao was the Goliath of a 17‑year‑old Gina’s story. Watching her sweat it out, Mark saw not just a kid with a belt but a future fighter. “He saw the potential in me and urged me to step onto the cage,” Gina recalls.
Mark wasn’t just a coach; he’s the father figure who keeps her grounded. “He’s more than a trainer—he’s like a second dad. He doesn’t just coach; he cares about us as a team.”
Flipping the Script: From Wushuist to Cage Fighter
Gina’s first six bouts in ONE’s heavy‑metal arena were nothing short of fireworks. She won four, including a thrilling clash with Mei Yamaguchi in March 2014.
- Round 1: Kick‑introduction.
- Round 2: Swinging six‑string, stuck in a psychological arena.
- Round 3: A comeback that left fans standing with their popcorn still half‑pop.
- Round 4: Victory over Mei Yamaguchi cemented her name on the roster.
How Coach Mark Keeps Her on the Edge
“I’ve always been quiet and shy. But when it comes to fighting, something savage awakens in me,” Gina admits. “Coach Mark keeps turning that spark up, pushing me toward greatness. I know deep inside I can be a world champion, so I keep training.”
Next Fight on the Horizon
Gina’s next chapter kicks off against Jenny Huang at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, right in the heart of Manila.
Her eyes are on the prize—Angela Lee’s Open Women’s Atomweight World Title. “It would be an honor to contend for the world title soon,” Gina says, eyes gleaming with the fire she’s been building for decades.
And she’s not alone. “Coach Mark will be there with me, cheering and guiding me to keep improving.” His support means the world to a fighter who began as a quiet girl with a bag of punches.
The Takeaway
Gina’s story is a testament that the best fighters get on the mat when they least expect it. From a high‑school Wushu enthusiast to a cage‑ring dreamer, the journey is stitched together by sweat, grit, and a coach who sees beyond the belt.
