EDUARD Folayang, the most widely recognized Filipino Mixed Martial Arts fighter, hopes to fulfill his destiny of winning a world MMA title when he challenges champion Shinya Aoki at ONE: Defending Honor in Singapore on Friday, Nov. 11.
The 32-year-old fighter says that he is fighting not just for himself but for his countrymen especially the youth from his community in La Trinidad, Benguet who need role models to help them aspire for more and lift themselves from poverty.
“I’m so proud to be a Filipino. Fighting not only for myself, but for my nation. I represent my countrymen despite the fact that there are different tribes. There are a lot of differences but gathering everyone and representing them in an event is a happy moment for me,” said Folayang.
As for himself, he says that his own role model is Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who has overcome tremendous odds to reach his station life.
“I look at Manny as an inspiration. He really makes the Filipinos and the sport become great because of his unorthodox and unconventional way of boxing. What Manny did in boxing I also want to do in MMA. The sport will be huge inspiration to the youth. Every time they hear my name it will always be connected to martial arts,” said Folayang.
He admits that he has had an arduous journey. But he has not let disappointment deter him from his dream of finally winning a ONE Championship world title.
“My journey in ONE Championship ever since my first fight has been a roller coaster ride. There are moments in my career when I am already near the title shot but suddenly I loss the momentum. And then I climb the ladder again and fall again. This time I really pushed hard to be on the top. Finally after five years I have the chance to be fighting for the title shot. I feel so happy that I have been given the opportunity to represent my country in this sport. It’s a joyous feeling when your flag is raised up,” said Folayang.
The nine-year veteran MMA fighter has a solid foundation in the fighting arts. He started as a wushu fighter in high school and college. He represented the country many times and has earned a Southeast Asian Games gold medal in the sport.
“I have the passion for combat sport because I know God has given me the ability to influence my countrymen in this sport. There are a lot of problems in the Philippines. We’ve seen the affect of drugs on the Filipino people. As an athlete I want to inspire the youth to not waste their lives on drugs but to find the purpose for their existence; to find if they can succeed in sports or whatever areas they are talented in. I want them to be inspired and I want them to make it not only in the Philippines but also globally,” said Folayang.
With the world title within his reach Folayang intends to make the most of this rare chance.
“This title is very big for me. I suffered a lot of sacrifices for this title. I didn’t just get it for a short moment of time. I really worked hard for it. I endured the pain of losing and enjoyed being victorious in the fights I encountered and finally I have the chance. I believe I am ready for the title shot even though I know that my opponent is a legend,” said Folayang.
He has the utmost respect for his opponent Aoki who is among the greats in ONE Championship.
“I’ve faced a lot of tough opponents in my past fights. If I am not willing to take the risk of being in this fight then I can never achieve that greatness. There is a lot of pressure coming in but I need to prepare and plan well. I need to be positive in my thinking because there’s a lot of expectations that I’ll be facing. When the news spread that I’ll be facing Shinya I can already feel the pressure. I need to be strong, courageous and tough for this fight.”