Despite her golden finish not counting toward the Philippines’ official SEA Games 2025 tally, Geli Bulaong’s performance still stands as a redemption story after settling for silver two years ago.
This time around, Geli Bulaong finished the job.
Two years removed from a stinging silver-medal finish in Cambodia, Bulaong rose to the moment and claimed gold in SEA Games Thailand 2025 after ruling the women’s 60-kg event in the mixed martial arts (MMA) competition on Thursday, December 11.
However, because MMA is tagged as "value-added” sport in the competition , Bulaong’s golden finish will not count toward the Philippines’ official medal tally, which already includes two golds from taekwondo and swimming.
Her victory capped another strong showing for the national MMA squad.
The momentum had begun earlier in the day, with Gina Araos (-54 kg), Jean Claude Saclag (-60 kg), and Denzel John Alipio (-65 kg) each securing bronze to add to the country’s growing medal tally.
(With reports from Dyip Dypiangco/Cignal)
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.