Eduard Folayang wants to stay busy in 2016

Nissi Icasiano

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Eduard Folayang wants to stay busy in 2016
Folayang, who is widely regarded as the face of Philippine MMA, might land a spot in ONE's next trip to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – After placing himself back on the winning track, Filipino fighter Eduard Folayang wants to stay active throughout the rest of the year.

Folayang, who was shelved for nearly 14 months due to a brutal knockout loss, triumphantly returned inside the ONE Championship cage by scoring a unanimous decision victory over Japanese lightweight Tetsuya Yamada in the co-headliner of the promotion’s “Clash of Heroes” event on Friday, January 29.

The 32-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet turned back the clock against Yamada, pummeling his opponent with his deadly striking arsenal and efficiently utilizing his takedown defense to claim his first win since being knocked out by Russian prospect Timofey Nastyukhin in December 2014.

Folayang was able to drop Yamada with a left hook in the first round and employed looping right hands, spinning back kicks and an effective sprawl that forced his Japanese counterpart to desperately shoot for takedowns.

With Asia’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization planning to hold 22 more fight cards in 2016, Folayang looks at the possibility of having at least two more bouts this year. 

“I want to stay busy as much as possible. Hopefully, I can get two to 3 fights this year. Skills and talents are harnessed through constant and continuous fights,” he told Rappler.

Folayang, who is widely regarded as the face of Philippine MMA, might land a spot in ONE’s next venture in the Philippines, which is set to take place at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on April 15.

Along with Team Lakay colleague Geje Eustaquio, ONE chief executive officer Victor Cui revealed that he and matchmaker Matt Hume are considering booking Folayang for the company’s next fight card on Philippine shores.

“Honestly, Eduard Folayang and Geje Eustaquio are two fighters that Matt and I are looking at right now. After their impressive wins, the Filipino fight fans will definitely want to see them compete in front of them. Both are the two best options,” Cui said.

Despite the rollercoaster ride in his 20-fight professional MMA career that commenced in June 2007, Folayang stressed that fighting for the ONE lightweight title remains his top priority.

“My dream, goal and vision to have a title shot are still alive. This is another step or another journey to elevate my status as a contender for the title,” Folayang stated. – Rappler.com

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