Folayang vows to be ready for Akiyama

Former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang vows that he will be better prepared when he takes on Yoshihiro Akiyama at ONE on TNT IV on April 29.

The 37-year-old from Team Lakay is coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Antonio Carusso last October. Eager to bounce back after losing four of his last five fights, Folayang promised to showcase a better form on fight day.

“I reviewed my last fight and I really think that was not me,” Folayang told GMA News Online.

“By now we already know what to expect in Singapore’s health and safety protocols amid the pandemic so that is going to help me with my preparation.”

Akiyama, 45, is a decorated judo practitioner and a former UFC fighter. He won his last fight against Sherif Mohamed via first-round knockout in February 2020 and will go down in weight to face Folayang.

Folayang acknowledges the risks of fighting another legend and takes it as a compliment whenever asked to face one. Against Akiyama, he says that Team Lakay has already spotted some holes that they can exploit on April 29.

“I think they are having me fight legends because I have earned it, because I have earned their respect,” said Folayang.

“His judo is dangerous when you’re trying to take him down so we’ll try to keep this one standing.” – RC, GMA News