Before Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang found success in ONE Championship by knocking out rivals, he spent countless hours playing basketball on the sunlit courts of Baguio City.
Now, he is set to return to action at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video, where he will take on undefeated Brazilian fighter “Peruano” Marcos Aurelio in a bantamweight MMA contest.
This event will be streamed live on Friday, January 23, during U.S. prime time from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
Despite his hardened MMA demeanor, Bumina-ang’s competitive spirit was first ignited on the basketball court, where he cultivated his passion for competition.
Reflecting on his early years, the 31-year-old shared how basketball was his initial love before he transitioned to MMA: “After class, we would rush to any available court and play until we were exhausted. It was fun, especially when we added a bit of gambling for things like ice-cold water. Those were my happiest times, reflecting my real passion.”
Bumina-ang was greatly influenced by NBA legends during his childhood. He admired Allen Iverson’s bold style and the tenacity of early LeBron James as he chased his first championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. These players inspired his fierce loyalty to his gym and country, values that resonated with him as a smaller but sturdy competitor in both basketball and MMA.
Lessons From Basketball Carry into MMA
Although Carlo Bumina-ang shifted his focus to MMA, the skills he gained on the basketball court continue to benefit him in combat sports. He noted similarities between the two disciplines, mentioning how footwork, balance, and explosiveness play vital roles in both basketball and MMA training. “I was used to sprinting while playing basketball, and that has translated well into my MMA workouts.”
Bumina-ang also emphasized the camaraderie and sportsmanship he learned from basketball, highlighting the emotional ties between teammates. Even in the solitary nature of MMA, he acknowledges the team effort behind him at Team Lakay. “In MMA, you fight alone, but you don’t enter the ring alone. My coaches and teammates share in the highs and lows, reinforcing the teamwork I learned in basketball.”
