Fireworks expected in Folayang-Ting bout

Filipino mixed martial arts fans can expect an explosive title bout when defending ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard "the Landslide" Folayang collide with Malaysian contender Ev "E.T." Ting.

"Kung mahilig kayo sa fireworks, punta kayo sa Friday at makikita niyo kung paano mag-fireworks ang Malaysia tsaka ang Pilipinas," Folayang said during the pre-fight press conference on Tuesday.

Folayang and Ting will face each other on April 21, Friday, at the Mall of Asia Arena for ONE Championship: King of Destiny.

Folayang (17-5) said he is armed with inspiration when he faces Ting (13-3).

"I trained very hard. I am inspired especially that i have a new born child. And of course being here in Manila, the capital city, is really a huge opportunity para makita ng mga kababayan natin na ang Pilipino ay talagang lumalaban kahit sa anumang larangan ng combat sport," the 33-year-old member of Team Lakay said.

Folayang said the honor he felt representing the Philippines on the world stage always felt good, mentioning his stint at the Southeast Asian Games where he won a gold medal in Wushu.

"Talagang nakafocus kami sa laban which is very important, di lang para sa akin kung 'di pati sa pamilya ko and of course para sa bansa natin. I've been representing the nation in the sport of Wushu and I was able to win several medals for our country," he said.

"I tell you it's really an amazing feeling when you see our flag soaring high, nirerespeto talaga ng ibang lahi. And that is what I want to do in this sport," he added.

Loren Mack, Vice President for Public Relations and Communications, praised the Baguio City native who has been with ONE Championship since 2011.

"He is the nicest guy in the world of MMA. Best to work with, has one of the most remarkable stories in all of sports. One of the best in Wushu in all of Philippines and has been with ONE Championship since day one," Mack said.

Mack recalled Folayang's victory over Japanese foe Shinya Aoki via technical knockout for the ONE lightweight championship.

"At first nobody gave him a shot. But not only did he win, which I would say is the biggest upset in the world of MMA in the last 10 years, but the fashion in which he won, it blew everybody's minds. It was beyond impressive," he said.

On the other hand, Ting said he is honored to face Folayang in Manila under ONE Championship, which he called as the fastest growing MMA organization in the world.

Ting has faced Filipino opponents in the past. He defeated Folayang's fellow Team Lakay members Honorio Banario, Cary Bullos, and Eric and Edward Kelly. 

"It's a true honor to be here. Manila is one of the best spots for ONE Championship. ONE Championship athletes are loyal to the company. We like to share our passion for the sport," Ting said.

He initially had a hard time adjusting to his environment when his family moved from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to New Zealand.

"After some time when I stopped trying to fit in, when i started believing in myself and knowing my family more, I realized that none of that even matters. It's what you do for yourself on the inside out that really changes everything," Ting said. — BAP, GMA News