MMA

Eduard Folayang relishes chance to compete in front of home crowd and make new fans in the US

Former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang plans to make the most out of his return to mixed martial arts when he takes on Edson Marques on December 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Folayang, recognized as the Face of Philippine MMA, will see action on the morning of December 3 at ONE on Prime Video 5—a show specifically targeted at the US audience as ONE Championship works to extend its reach in the western hemisphere.

“Of course, I’m happy. I feel honored being put on the forefront of a card that will air live in US prime time through Prime Video,” said Folayang.

“Being one of the few Filipinos in that card. It’s such a huge motivating factor for me because our trajectory is heading west, and I’d love to entertain our fans over there and make new ones.”

Folayang, 22-12 as a professional mixed martial artist, last saw action in an all-striking contest last March against Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr where he won by way of unanimous decision.

The Filipino was initially offered to face former UFC fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama but the Japanese veteran opted not to take the fight. As a mixed martial artist, Folayang fell short in his last four fights—a losing skid he plans to stop on fight day.

“All I wanted to do is compete again and join this card. It doesn’t matter who I face. Actually, I was waiting for [Yoshihiro] Akiyama but I think he turned down the offer in fighting me,” he quipped.

“Nonetheless, I’m grateful because I was included, and since the event will be in the Philippines for the first time in three years, I’m super excited. I’m looking forward to performing in front of my home crowd.”

—JMB, GMA Integrated News