Eduard Folayang welcomes ex-UFC star Sage Northcutt to his division

Eduard Folayang is excited about former UFC star Sage Northcutt moving down to the lightweight division of ONE Championship.

Folayang, a two-time ONE lightweight world champion, says that a lot of big names would be waiting for Northcutt's arrival in their weight class.

"This is a stacked division. A lot of fighters are waiting for him," said the Team Lakay representative.

"This is a good challenge for our division and a good challenge for him as well."

The 23-year-old multiple karate champion from the USA made his ONE Championship debut last May in which he suffered a crushing 29-second knockout at the hands of Cosmo Alexandre.

The devastating loss damaged Northcutt's face. But he is now well on his way to full recovery since that fateful evening.

For Folayang, the fans and his fellow fighters are yet to see what the American is capable of since his first bout did not go his way.

"I didn't see his full potential the last time he fought at welterweight. Perhaps when he moves down to lightweight one of the advantages he would have is his size," Folayang stated.

"Let's see how he is going to perform in this division then make a comment for there. Let's wait and see if he has something up his sleeve."

The face of Philippine Mixed Martial Arts also did not dismiss a possible showdown with Northcutt.

"We can't avoid the possibility of Folayang versus Northcutt," he said.

"As we go along our worlds could eventually collide."

Folayang, however, refused to look too far ahead for now as he is scheduled to lock horns with Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE: Fire & Fury on January 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

"This is a fight I'm interested in," said Folayang, referring to a possible showdown with Northcutt.

"He has a western fan base and he is more of a striker so it would be a good fight. For now, my focus is on January 31." — BAP, GMA News