Eduard ‘Landslide’ Folayang grateful for winning return, targets ONE lightweight title shot anew
FORMER ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang returned on the winning track on Friday in Singapore with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Russian Kharun “The Predator” Atlangeriev at ONE Championship’s “Unstoppable Dreams” event.
The win was a bounce back for Baguio native Folayang after losing his lightweight strap last November here in Manila.
Mr. Folayang, who improved to 19-6 following the win, was grateful for the winning return he had and vowed to build on it as he guns for another shot at the division title now held by two-division champion Martin Nguyen of Australia, also the featherweight titleholder.
The former champ was dominant against Mr. Atlangeriev, keeping the latter at the long end of his straight right hand and quick sidekicks to the body.
Mr. Folayang also landed various flush shots and stuffed numerous takedowns to earn the unanimous decision victory.
“Although I had an idea of how he ( Atlangeriev) fights, I used the early part of the fight to analyze his moves and tendencies and game plan. When I realized that he was passive, I adjusted and adapted and took the fight to him,” said Mr. Folayang after his victory as he shared the mind-set he had and his assessment of his performance.
“I think I did good in my return fight although I know I could have done better. But I hope to build on this win and take another shot at the title for the fire in me is still there,” he added.
The Team Lakay stalwart went on to say that he hopes to be part of ONE Championship’s card in one of its stops in Manila later this year so as to redeem himself in front of the hometown fans.
AND STILL
Meanwhile, Angela “The Unstoppable” Lee stayed undefeated and remained the ONE women’s atomweight champion by defeating Japanese challenger Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi by unanimous decision in their title rematch in the headlining match at “ONE: Unstoppable Dreams.”
Misses Lee and Yamaguchi traded heavy blows and showcased high- level, tactical grappling skills all throughout the bout to the delight of a packed Singapore Indoor Stadium crowd.
Ms. Yamaguchi started out very strong in the early going, but Ms. Lee came close with several near- submissions. Throughout five grueling rounds, Ms. Lee dug deep to show the heart of a champion, doing just enough to earn the unanimous decision win.
“It’s a huge night for me and my family. It’s not easy to do what we’re doing inside the cage. Martial arts fans and their love for the sport are the reason why we’re fighting. This is for you guys. Props to Mei Yamaguchi. She’s an amazing and very talented competitor. Thank you for the opportunity,” said Ms. Lee (9-0), who fought for the first time after getting hurt in car crash last year.
Also victorious were Thai Sam-A Gaiyanghadao over Dutch Sergio Wielzen in their ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Championship bout by knockout in round 4; ONE Featherweight World Champion Nguyen over Christian Lee of Singapore by split decision after 5 rounds; and Japanese lightweight Shinya Aoki over Russian Rasul Yakhyaev by submission ( Triangle Choke) in round 1.
Next for ONE Championship is “ONE: Pinnacle of Power” on June 16 in Beijing, headlined by the women’s strawweight title clash between champion Xiong Jing Nan of China against Argentine Laura Balin.
Serving as the co-main event is the unification bout between reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes of Brazil and interim champ Geje Eustaquio of the Philippines. —