Eduard Folayang to defend title against Martin Nguyen in Manila

Filipino fight fans will bear witness to a superfight when Asia’s largest mixed martial arts promotion returns to the Philippines for "ONE Championship: Legends of the World" on November 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In the main event, ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang of Baguio City’s famed Team Lakay will make a second defense of his title against fellow world champion, ONE featherweight title holder Martin Nguyen.

The fight is the first ever champion versus champion showdown in ONE Championship, and Folayang can’t be more glad to be part of it.

“As a martial artist, I am constantly in search of the biggest challenges, the biggest tests of my skills. As champion, I welcome any and all challengers. Martin [Nguyen] is one of the best in the world and it is an honor to share the ONE Championship cage with him,” told Folayang.

“This is a bout for the fans, and I can’t wait to perform in front of my hometown crowd in Manila once again. I have complete respect for my opponent’s skills and together with my brothers at Team Lakay, my coach Mark Sangiao, I’m preparing to showcase the best version of Eduard Folayang on 10 November.”

Nguyen, meanwhile, guarantees that the upcoming fight will be fireworks. He holds an impressive MMA record of 9-1, having finished all of his opponents by either knockout or submission. He has the highest regards for Folayang, but made it clear that he’s coming to Manila to take Folayang’s belt.

“New Year will be coming early this year, because in this fight there will definitely be fireworks. I'm out not only to make a statement, but to go down in history as the best to ever compete under the ONE Championship banner,” said Nguyen.

“I have the utmost respect for the lightweight champion, and will definitely not take his skills for granted. But this is going to be a dog fight. It's the first time two champions in different divisions go head-to-head in ONE, and I am excited to give the performance of a lifetime. The real winner of this bout will be the fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.” —ALG, GMA News