Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is optimistic that his teammate Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will pass this humongous test in flying colors.
The former ONE Lightweight World Champion is set to challenge Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES which takes place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on 2 August.
Despite losing in his promotional debut against Timofey Nastyukhin at ONE: A NEW ERA in Japan last March, Alvarez is still considered as one of the top names in the lightweight division.
The 34-year-old American, who is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is known for his elite wrestling and tremendous knockout power. He holds a 29-7 (1 NC) professional record, with 18 of his career victories coming via TKO.
But for Eustaquio, he is confident that Folayang will walk out with his hand raised against Alvarez, and it’s because of his mental toughness.
“I think Eduard is due for a win because I’ve seen him prepare for this competition. Both of them are hungry for redemption but I believe Eduard has a tougher mind,” said Eustaquio.
“He is enjoying things now. He really wants to get his title back, so he’s really determined. We all know him. He is still the Landslide that we used to know. He has a tough mind.”
According to Eustaquio, Folayang’s mental edge will hold weight in this match-up, especially since they’re both coming off losses.
Folayang has proven that he can bounce back from disappointing results – and Eustaquio expects him to do the same on August.
“I think his mental toughness is the key. Eduard was in the deepest moment of his career and we saw how he reclaimed his title,” said Eustaquio. “I doubt Eddie will break his mind.”
With ONE: DAWN OF HEROES being considered as probably the biggest card in Philippine soil, Eustaquio is confident that Folayang will rise to the occasion and prove to everyone that he is still one of the best in the world.
Eustaquio says Folayang won’t be alone when he battles Alvarez.
“The people of the mountains will go down and watch. His countrymen will watch him and support him, that’s a bit of pressure on his shoulders but I think he will convert it into motivation,” said Eustaquio.
“At the end of the day, Eduard will prove that he is still the face of Philippine Martial arts.”
