A veteran of the sport for 11 years, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang believes that his experience will play a pivotal factor when he faces a young and hungry lion in his bid to reclaim the ONE Lightweight World Title.
The former ONE Lightweight World Champion is scheduled to lock horns with Singaporean star Amir Khan for the vacant ONE Lightweight World Title in the co-main event of ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS, which takes place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on Friday, 23 November.
With a wealth of experience under his belt as a professional mixed martial artist, Folayang has prepared for anything and everything that Khan might try inside the cage when they collide for the available lightweight crown.
“My biggest advantage over Khan would have to be my experience. I’ve been in there with all kinds of guys – hard punchers, grapplers, intelligent guys – I’ve seen it all,” he told onefc.com
“I think my experience, and the way I handle certain situations, will play a huge factor in this bout. I have complete respect for the kid, but he’s going to have to show me something I haven’t seen before,” Folayang added
Witnessing Khan’s growth from top prospect to world title contender, Folayang has nothing but admiration for the Singaporean standout.
“I know he has a lot of power. Let’s not mistake that,” he said. “You don’t score as many finishes as he has without having some heft in every strike, but I’m excited to clash with him. It will be a good test of skill.”
Khan is coming off a first-round submission victory over Folayang’s teammate Honorio Banario this past September in the co-main event of ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON.
In his match with Banario, Khan proved that he is capable of finishing a contest on his feet or on the mat.
Folayang knows that a tough test awaits him at the Mall of Asia Arena, but he is confident that his trainer Mark Sangiao has devised the right game plan to topple the 24-year-old Singaporean hard-hitter.
“I’m coming into this bout with complete confidence. I believe in my team, and we will get the job done,” he declared.
Folayang admitted that he is driven to recapture the ONE Lightweight World Champion to redeem himself in the eyes of his countrymen.
“I’m ready to win this title for my people. This is the place where I lost the title, and I’ve waited a year for the chance to regain it. If I can win the title in Manila, I can prove to myself that I’m worthy of becoming champion again,” he ended.