LONG considered as one of the faces of local mixed martial arts, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang knows fully well that when he fights especially at home turf it is not only his battle but also those who believe in him.
It is the same thinking he has when he returns to the ONE Championship Circle next month for “ONE: Masters of Fate” against Mongolian Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu.
Mr. Folayang (21-8), who is currently riding a two-fight slide, battles Mr. Amarsanaa (5-1) in the co-main event for ONE’s fourth show in Manila this year on Nov. 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Team Lakay stalwart said he feels confident that he can take on the challenge of Mr. Amarsanaa armed with the proper preparation and the support of his team, friends and the Filipino fans.
“In my head, this match will be in my favor in every aspect. That does not mean I am underestimating Amarsanaa, I simply believe that the results of my preparations will allow me to dominate him. I have my team, my friends, my fans, and the rest of the Philippines cheering and depending on me. I will not let them down,” said 35-year-old Folayang.
The Filipino fighter, a two-time ONE Championship lightweight champion, dropped his two previous fights this year, losing to MMA legends Shinya Aoki of Japan and Eddie Alvarez of the United States, in that order, both by way of submission in the opening round.
The defeats are something he is using as he prepares for his upcoming fight.
“Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu was able to showcase his skills with Shannon [Wiratchai] in his debut match. He is really good on his feet and his striking can knock me out if it connects,” said Mr. Folayang of his latest opponent, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Thai Shannon Wiratchai in his ONE debut in February.
“However he has problems when he is put under pressure. There are some things that we saw which we can use to my advantage, I will leave it at that,” Mr. Folayang added.
ONE: Masters of Fate is headlined by the ONE world strawweight title fight between reigning champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio against compatriot Rene “The Challenger” Catalan.
It will also feature the return of former ONE flyweight champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio against Finland’s Toni Tauru. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
