NAGOYA—Jean Claude Saclag is one win away from history. The Filipino fighter dominated Japan’s Daisuke Murayama in the men’s traditional -65kg semifinal on Monday, moving within reach of the Philippines’ first Asian Games gold in mixed martial arts.

Saclag won by unanimous decision at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center. He will face Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov for the gold medal on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Jean Claude Saclag Dominates Asian Games MMA Semifinal

Saclag dictated the pace from the opening bell. His superior striking kept Murayama from unleashing his dangerous ground game.

The Filipino’s aggressive approach paid off with a unanimous decision. “Ramdam ko na mas malakas ako. Na-overpower ko siya,” said Saclag.

Saclag acknowledged that Murayama’s strength on the ground made him wary of engaging too closely. He relied on distance, precision striking and takedown defense throughout the semifinal.

Saclag explained his game plan after the bout. “Kailangan keep natin ’yung distance, saktan natin siya, tapos depensahan natin ’yung takedowns niya,” he said.

Saclag Targets First Philippine Asian Games MMA Gold

With a historic gold within reach, Saclag intends to stick with the same aggressive yet disciplined strategy in the championship bout. He will not change what worked in the semifinal.

Saclag spoke to One Sports in a video interview after the match. “Sanay naman tayo lumaban sa finals, kaya mas lalo akong na-inspire. Iba pa rin ’to. Asian Games ’to, eh,” he said.

Saclag’s victory guaranteed the Philippines another medal in mixed martial arts. Carlos Alvarez had already secured a bronze in the men’s traditional -77kg division.

The 27-year-old Alvarez lost a tight semifinal to Kazakhstan’s taller Yerkingali Burkutalin by a 0-3 decision. He had swept Indonesia’s Ananda Wahyu Setyo Prabowo, 3-0, in the quarterfinals to reach the medal round.