Filipina mixed martial arts pioneer Geli Bulaong captured a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games 2025 women’s mixed martial arts demo event after defeating Maydelse Sitepu on Thursday at The Mall Ngamwongwan in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Bulaong, 3-1 as a professional, took control from the opening bell, showcasing superior striking and a better ground arsenal. Sitepu spent most of the bout backpedaling, unable to find answers to the Filipina’s pressure.

After two rounds of action, Bulaong was declared the winner on points, securing the Philippines’ third gold medal of the ongoing biennial meet.