Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang is ready to redeem himself at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila as he faces Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu on November 8.
Folayang will join stablemates Geje Eustaquio and ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio in representing Team Lakay at ONE: MASTERS OF FATE.
The “Landslide” last saw action in the very same arena back in August, where he was upset by American great Eddie Alvarez in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semifinals. Since then, Folayang has taken some time to recollect himself before heading back to the gym.
“After a brief rest from my last bout, I started training immediately,” Folayang said.
“My preparations have gone well. We watched my last performance with Eddie [Alvarez] and pointed out where I did great and where I need improvements. I don’t let the past affect my present and future. I learn and move on.”
Folayang was able to dominate Alvarez in the first few minutes of round one, but his eagerness to end the match early gave the American the opening to turn the tide and secure a submission victory.
This time, the Team Lakay veteran decided to pay additional attention to the development of his wrestling skills so as not to have the same outcome in the future.
“I focused more on my wrestling defense and ground game,” Folayang said.
“I have no problems with my striking skills though I continue to train in that aspect. What needed my attention is my ground game. We have been finding ways to improve that, and we have been getting better at it each day. My goal is to have it at the same level as my striking.”
Folayang is still in hot pursuit of his first victory this year. After two failed outings, the former champion is determined to get the win in his country, where he hopes to make his compatriots proud.
“It means a lot to me if I come out on top for this bout,” Folayang concluded.
“I have let my team and fans down twice this year, and I don’t want them to go through that pain again. I know what went wrong in my previous bouts, and I will not repeat the same mistakes. I will redeem myself in front of my fellow Filipinos.”
