Protagonists vow to bring best for ONE: Kings of Destiny
APRIL 21, 2017 is a red-letter day for the local mixed martial arts scene as it marks the first title defense of Filipino Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of his ONE Championship lightweight belt against Malaysian challenger Ev “E.T.” Ting. And the two men vowed to bring their best come fight night, bent on seeing their respective causes through.
Met for a special media day early this week at the Top of the Citi at the Citibank Tower in Makati for their “ONE: Kings of Destiny” headliner, Messrs. Folayang and Ting shared that the significance of their title clash next month is not lost to them and that they are ready to take on the challenge.
Mr. Folayang, 32, of Benguet province, said that he is very excited over his first defense of the title he seized from Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in November on home soil.
But he is also aware that along with fighting in front of the home crowd comes a lot of expectations, which is why he is not leaving any stones unturned in his preparation for his fight against Mr. Ting.
“I’m excited that this is happening in the Philippines. There is a lot of pressure on me to deliver in front of the local fans but I’m confident that I can get the job done. It’s also a great opportunity to show the world what the MMA scene here is like. How far it has come,” said Team Lakay’s Folayang (17-5) to sportswriters at the media day.
“I see myself in Ev. He wants to take the title away from me much like I was against Shinya. I know his mind-set which is why I have to be ready. I’m studying his moves, his strengths and weaknesses, apart from working on my game, so that when we face each other I know pretty much what to expect,” added Mr. Folayang, who is currently riding a three- fight winning streak.
He went on to say that in preparing for his title defense he is drawing inspiration from his faith in God and the joy that his newborn child is providing while also looking forward to the support of his countrymen at Kings of Destiny.
GRAND OPPORTUNITY
For challenger Ting (13-3), the title shot afforded him is a grand opportunity that he has longed for since picking up MMA.
“I’m happy to be given this title shot. I believe I have proven myself in fighting and is a worthy challenger and I want that belt after our fight,” said Mr. Ting, 23, during a separate session with the local media.
“Eduard played his game plan well against Shinya. He was patient and made his moves at the right time. I have to show the same efficiency and explosiveness if I am to be crowned champion,” the Malaysian challenger added.
While not outrightly saying, Mr. Ting is looking to add Mr. Folayang to his list of conquered Filipinos inside the cage, which includes Honorio “The Rock” Banario, Eric “The Natural” Kelly, and Rolando Dy.
Also seeing action at ONE: Kings of Destiny, which will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena, are Filipino fighters Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon against Toni “Dynamite” Tauru of Finland, Mr. Banario against Australian Rob Lisita, Danny Kingad versus Malaysian Muhammad Aiman, Eugene Toquero against Stefer Rahardian of Indonesia, Gina “Conviction” Iniong versus Filipino- English Natalie Gonzales Hills and Robin Catalan against compatriot Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado.
Part as well of the card are Singaporean Christian “The Warrior” Lee versus Malaysian Keanu Subba and Brazilian Michelle Nicolini against Russian Irina Mazepa. —