Mark Sangiao talks of post-fight scene after Folayang’s shock defeat

MANILA - Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao sat down with GMA News Online and gave an in-depth summary of what transpired following Eduard Folayang’s shock defeat at the hands of Martin Nguyen on November 10.

Folayang, who was touted as the face of Philippine MMA, lost his then ONE lightweight world title to Nguyen by knockout in front of his own Filipino fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. A little more than a couple of weeks since the superfight, Sangiao spoke of the backstage scenery after that fateful night.

GMA: Coach, we are yet to talk since Eduard Folayang lost his ONE world lightweight title to Martin Nguyen on November 10. Let's reflect on what happened in that fight.

Mark Sangiao: He was doing good. When they were fighting face to face, Eduard can see Nguyen's wide punches so he wasn't supposed to get hit. The problem was they went at each other at the same time; Eduard missed his back kick then got caught with a big punch. If Eduard landed that kick, Martin would’ve been hurt. The problem was he didn't land plus he got hit in the face so he didn't have the time to dodge. If the fight went on and they were trading face to face, I think Martin could’ve worn out because he was eating those kicks from Eduard. I think if the fight went on and those kicks accumulated, I think it will have an effect on Martin. But it was Martin's night and he timed Eduard very well.

GMA: Actually we share the same observation. In round two, Nguyen was kind of starting to breathe from his mouth which means he felt those kicks to the body.

MS: Late in the first round, Martin was stunned from Folayang's roundhouse to the head. I think if the fight went on, something big from Folayang will land. But it is what it is. It's Martin Nguyen's time.

GMA: Should both fighters meet inside the cage again, what adjustments should Folayang make? Is it fair to say that he should stop utilizing his trademark spins?

MS: Precisely. He should avoid using his high risk kicks and fancy moves. He should focus on fighting up front. Eduard is quick even though he is the heavier fighter. We can even see that he is quicker, but you're right, he should stop using his spinning moves.

GMA: How was Eduard after the fight? What was the locker room like? What was his reaction and what did he tell you?

MS: He was out of it after the fight. He tried to recall and asked many things. There was a post-fight press conference that we said he can't go to because he keeps asking. But when the time came that I asked him back and was able to recall a bit then I told him, 'ok let's go home.'

MS: Yes. He kept asking what happened, we answered his questions until we arrived at the hotel for our evaluation. I told him the truth - his back kick missed which is why Martin caught him with a big right hand. It will be good if there’s going to be a Folayang versus Nguyen part two.

GMA: So the team want an immediate rematch.

MS: We badly want an immediate rematch against Nguyen but it's up to ONE Championship.

GMA: When he regained memory of what happened and you mentioned his error during the fight, how did he absorb the feedback? How was he after that night?

MS: I told him what needs to be done, tried to comfort him and make him realize that what happened is merely a part of the fight game. He just made a mistake and it's Nguyen's time. There came a point when he asked if ONE will give a rematch, but to me, I think, we will get to that title no matter what. It was his first loss as a title holder. Even though it was a knockout we all know that people love Eduard Folayang, and ONE also knows that. We know that people are looking forward to seeing Folayang fight again.

GMA: Can you say that Eduard has already recovered from that loss?

MS: I can't say that he has recovered from that defeat. Certainly he is still affected. Only time can heal it, but of course he has to keep training until he can totally accept that loss. Another thing is it wasn't the first time that such knockout loss happened to Eduard, it happened several times before. Knowing Eduard, he's mentally tough so I think he can recover.

GMA: Do you feel the loss even made him hungrier than ever?

MS: Definitely...knowing him. In fact after that fight he asked right away when the rematch is. But like what I heard from ONE chairman Chatri, let him take a rest then go back to training.

— DVM, GMA News