Eduard “Landslide” Folayang’s mission as a mixed martial artist does not end with him holding on to the ONE Lightweight World Championship.
It goes far beyond that.
“Even as ONE Lightweight World Champion, the highest honor bestowed upon me in the world of mixed martial arts, I have a bigger platform to inspire people,” Folayang shared.
“I have a long way to go to achieve all that I want to do in life, and what I want is to inspire Filipinos everywhere continuously. I bring it everytime I perform.”
Folayang will defend his World Title against Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki in a much-anticipated rematch at ONE: A NEW ERA, which emanates at the Ryogoku Kokugika in Tokyo Japan on 31 March.
Although he knows that there is something much more bigger than any World Title, it does not mean that he is treating his title defense lightly.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
The 35-year-old Filipino icon knows that inspiring more people and being the face of discipline and hard work is much better with the World Title around his waist.
"ONE: A NEW ERA is another perfect opportunity for me to be a role model and to be a leader,” Folayang said.
“Especially to the youths of today's generation, I would like to inspire them. Growing up, it’s important to have role models, to have those figures you look up to.
"Folayang knows the influence that champions have, particularly to the youth, and he’s looking at it as his way of contributing to the society when it comes to nation-building.
“As a Filipino World Champion that is one thing I can offer, to be a sports hero to my countrymen, that will help them to understand the true meaning of hard work and dedication to your craft,” he stated.
“It’s something that’s constantly on my mind whenever I step inside the cage, I don’t just fight for myself, I fight for everyone who believes in me.”