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Eduard Folayang has to reset entire game plan after change of foe


Team Lakay would have to start from scratch in coming up with a game plan for Eduard Folayang's next stint inside the cage.

The former ONE lightweight world champion from Baguio City was originally slated to fight Ahmed Mujtaba, but the latter was replaced by Dutch striker Pieter Buist two weeks before the contest.

Folayang and Buist are scheduled to trade blows in the co-main event of ONE: Fire & Fury on January 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"We have to reset everything now. This is how we're going to get tested on how good we can adjust. I'm ahead in training camp, but I'm sure he's been training even without a scheduled fight. He's a professional, after all," said Folayang.

"I have to make lots of adjustments. He is a striker with a significant reach advantage. I have to figure out how to get inside. It's also important that we have the right mindset."

Buist has registered back-to-back wins since he signed with ONE Championship. In his first bout under the promotion, Buist won via second-round technical knockout against Kota Shimoishi in May 2019.

He went the distance in his last outing against Antonio Caruso last October where Buist triumphed by way of unanimous decision.

If you are to ask Folayang, Buist is beyond a doubt the real deal.

"He has a good record," he observed.

"He has won via submission, TKO, and decision. He is a striker who knows how to use his knees and reach advantage."

Folayang admits that he is pressed for time to come up with a brand new strategy since the change of opponent took place. But he would not allow the development to disrupt his training as he looks to showcase his best on fight night.

"I have to accept that everyone here is a lion that wants to eat me alive. There is no walk in the park here that's why I want to be well prepared for the fight." — BAP, GMA News

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