Eduard Folayang's world title run starts anew in Manila

Eduard Folayang and Mongolia's Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu face off a day before ONE: Masters of Fate on Friday, November 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Eduard Folayang of Baguio City's Team Lakay is raring for another run at a world title when ONE Championship returns to the Philippines for ONE: Masters of Fate on Friday, November 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Folayang, touted as the face of Philippine mixed martial arts and a former ONE lightweight world champion, is scheduled to fight Mongolia's Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu in the co-main event of the evening.

"I know my back is against the wall right now. This year hasn’t exactly gone to plan but I’ve been working hard," said Folayang.

"I know victory is important this time. I’m facing a hungry opponent from Mongolia who will be looking to beat a big name."

Coming off back-to-back defeats this year, the Filipino MMA icon admits that he cannot afford to take another loss on fight night. But Folayang is not new to adversity, and he vowed to do whatever it takes to get back to his winning ways on Friday.

"I’ve been in this situation before and I know what I need to do," he quipped. "I’m a veteran of this sport, and I’ve been doing this for a long time."

Never the type to lose confidence even after a series of setbacks, Folayang assured his fans that his spirit remains intact ahead of his third cage appearance for 2019.

"I feel confident in making another run at the ONE lightweight world title. My journey starts anew at home in Manila." — BAP, GMA News