Eduard Folayang aims to end Aoki rivalry once and for all

Former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang will look for a decisive finish when he takes on Shinya Aoki in a trilogy at ONE on TNT IV on Thursday.

The pair first met in 2016 when Folayang snatched the gold-plated strap from Aoki in Singapore via third-round technical knockout. A rematch took place three years later, when the Japanese legend emerged victorious via first-round submission.

"After having two fights with him, we know each other very well in the Circle. I've prepared both mentally and physically for this challenge. Everyone has their own strengths, and I've prepared well with my team on how to handle him," said Folayang.

"He's one of the best fighters in the game and has a lot of experience. I think he will have the same game plan as always, the same as in our first two encounters. He's going to try to take me down, but I will be ready," he added.

"This is not an easy fight, but a victory will bring me a step closer to the belt. I didn't get the results that I wanted and the performance I wanted to give in my previous fights, so I will aim for a steadfast victory in this one."

Folayang, touted as the face of Philippine mixed martial arts, lost four of his last five bouts. The defeats took Folayang out of the top 5 rankings of his division, which strayed him afar from the world title he wants to hold once more.

"This is a very important battle for me. If I can beat him here, it will catapult me up the rankings. He's number four in the top five, and I'm looking to take his spot."

Folayang was originally slated to face former UFC star Yoshihiro Akiyama but the latter withdrew from the fight after he suffered an injury. Aoki was supposed to face Sage Northcutt, but the American was also forced out of the fight due to lingering COVID-19 symptoms.

Suffice it to say, neither trained for each other's style. The Filipino fighter acknowledged that he has a tough fight ahead of him yet confident of his chances inside the cage.

"I know preparation is the biggest factor here. As a martial artist, I have nothing but respect for him. He's a strong grappler, and his weakness is in striking, but it hasn't been a factor. He's still dangerous all around," he said.

"I prepared hard with my team. I'm a positive person and I'm intently targeting a clean and conclusive victory," he added.

—MGP, GMA News