Folayang: The Phoenix rises from the ashes

MANILA, Philippines — “Every fighter has got to be dedicated, learn how to sacrifice, know what devotion is all about, make sure you’re paying attention and studying your art.”

These are words coming from one of the greatest boxers of all time, “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. Hagler, in his infinite wisdom, knew what fighting was all about. And like all great fighters, he knew losing was a big part of it, because, you just can’t win them all.

But in the life of a fighter, it’s not always about how hard you can hit.

“It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” said Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone’s fiery alter ego in the great Rocky films.

You have to be willing to take the hits.

Up and down career

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang was the poster child for Filipino MMA. Made popular by his stint in the URCC (Universal Reality Combat Championship), Folayang signed with Asian MMA giant ONE FC in hopes of bringing his brand of fast-paced, high-level Wushu fighting to a wider audience.

Yet despite the huge potential, Folayang has had an up and down career so far.

Folayang defeated South Korean A Sol Kwon in his ONE FC debut, submitted Wadson Teixeira at a URCC event but then lost to Muay Thai champion Ole Laursen in his next fight. 

Fighting in front of his countrymen, Folayang then went on to defeat Felipe Enimoto at ONE FC: Pride of a Nation in a well-rounded performance, but was then stopped by American Lowen Tynanes in his next fight shortly after.

Down but not defeated, Folayang knew he had to mix it up. He had to reach the potential which many observers and fans alike were expecting of him. One of the perceived weaknesses in Folayang is his ground game.

Training in California

“Landslide” is a beast on his feet, but once the fight hits the ground he’s terribly limited.

This prompted Folayang to turn to the west coast of the United States to diversify his training. Spending three months shuffling between several top gyms in California, Folayang seeked to improve his wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills – aspects of his game that when upgraded, would turn Folayang into a more complete fighter.

Only time will tell if Eduard Folayang made the right decision to relocate his training facilities to the US. He has since returned to Baguio City to conclude his training camp with his teammates at the famed Team Lakay.

On May 31, at the brand new MOA Arena in Pasay, Folayang makes his return to the ONE FC cage against seasoned veteran Kamal Shorus, an Iranian-American who specializes in wrestling. The advantage for Folayang will always remain in the stand-up, but if Shorus decides to take the fight to the ground, Folayang should have a renewed confidence in his grappling abilities.

Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it. Folayang’s improved ground game should turn out to be the difference in a quick, action-packed fight for however long it lasts.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, look for Folayang to get back in the win column, in a full display of his strengths. – Rappler.com