After ending the year on a positive note, Filipino superstar Eduard “Landslide” Folayang is ready to continue the winning form that took him twice on top of the lightweight world.
On 31 January, Folayang targets his second straight win when he faces Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba of Pakistan in the co-main event of ONE: FIRE & FURY at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Folayang showed his vintage form in his last bout before the match ended prematurely in his technical decision win over Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu at ONE: MASTERS OF FATE last November.
Now heading to his 19th professional bout, the 36-year-old promises to show a fresher “Landslide”.
“Age is just a number. I know I have been competing in ONE for more than nine years already. I have experienced ups and downs but it’s still all about the mindset and being motivated to succeed,” Folayang said.
“As we’ve always said, it’s either you win or you learn and I have learned a lot and I plan to show that in my every match.”
After competing against the very best of the 77.1 kilogram weight class last year, Folayang believes that it only seasoned him into becoming an even better athlete moving forward.
He also expects to get a little bit of an advantage of competing in his hometown again, as he will be battling in Manila for the third time in less than six months.
“I’ve learned to handle the emotion and the pressure in big matches, that’s what I learned when I took on the best of ONE last year,” Folayang shared.
“Every Manila event is a very big opportunity for me because of the support that I receive from the crowd and this event is the perfect time to pounce on the momentum I had from my last fight,” he added.
“If I continue winning and remain healthy, I want to compete in all the events here in Manila this year.”
Seeing how far the sport has grown in the country with him at the forefront, Folayang promises not to disappoint in his first match this year.
“I’m happy with the continuous development of MMA in the country. That’s why I am always excited to compete in Manila. I want to be in my best when I’m in front of Filipinos,” Folayang said.
“I want to win and put on a good showing so this event would be another success. At the same time, I’m still chasing for that ONE Lightweight belt.”
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