Folayang promises to bounce back after loss

EDUARD Folayang was quick to congratulate new ONE Championship Lightweight World Champion Martin Nguyen, who snatched his crown with a brutal knockout, but promised to come back stronger than ever.

“I tip my hat off to Martin Nguyen. He did his homework well and came very prepared. Because of this, my hunger for improvement remains. This is a big lesson learned. I believe challenges inside and outside the cage always bring out the best in us. I assure you that the journey doesn’t end here,” said Folayang in his official statement released over Facebook.

ONE Championship Featherweight World Champion Nguyen beat Folayang in a battle of champions at the Mall of Asia arena last Friday. Nguyen waited patiently and when the opening came he struck with deadly precision to knock out Folayang to win Folayang’s title.

Folayang said that first and foremost he wanted to thank God for His protection and assured his followers and the fans of Team Lakay that he was alright and there is nothing to be anxious about because he was in good physical condition.

He also thanked ONE Championship for providing him the best medical attention after the match.

“I take this opportunity to thank my countrymen for their support not only to me but to the entire Team Lakay athletes who competed last November 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. My heart is overwhelmed with the outpouring of their encouragement. We hope we can pay it forward,” said Folayang.

Nguyen, the ONE Championship World Featherweight titleholder, was content to counter any attacks as he waited for his opportunity during their match. In the second round Folayang attacked with another swinging heel kick.

Instead of stepping back to avoid the attack or standing still to block the kick Nguyen jumped forward while Folayang’s head and body spun around. When Folayang swung into position Nguyen landed a punch on his face knocking out the Filipino titleholder.

Folayang went limp, fell backward and before Nguyen could administer more punishment the referee stopped the fight.

It was not the first time that Folayang had suffered a knockout loss as a professional MMA fighter. He also lost by KO through a flying knee to Timofey Nastyukhin; lost by decision to Kamal Shalorus; lost by referee stoppage due to injury to Lowen Tynanes; and lost by decision to Ole Laursen.

After those losses he strung together victories until he eventually won the ONE Lightweight World title.