Folayang starts build up against Nguyen
WITH his One Championship lightweight world championship on the line, Eduard Folayang and coach Mark Sangiao starts their early build up leading to the November 10 bout.
Sangiao said they are not taking any chances against Martin Nguyen, the reigning ONE featherweight world champion who will seek the promotion’s second weight class title in the main event of ‘Legends of the World’ at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Martin will be a tough contest, we have to be weary of his striking and submission that’s why this early, were preparing a game plan that will fit against our opponent,” said Sangiao.
Sangiao added Folayang’s arsenal will came in handy against Nguyen, who is moving up in weight class.
“Our game plan will depend on how Nguyen will fight us. If he decides to trade punches with us, then it’s going to be striking and if he decides to go on the ground, we will be ready for him,” added Sangiao.
Nguyen is fresh from his second round conquest of erstwhile undefeated Marat Gufarov in August to steal the promotions 145 lbs division while Folayang successfully defended his 155 lbs in April, also at the Mall of Asia Arena against Ev Ting.
Since defending the title, Folayang has been constantly in the working in the gym with his fellow Team Lakay working on their grappling and submission techniques.
“As a martial artist, I am constantly in search of the biggest challenges, the biggest tests of my skills. As champion, I welcome any and all challengers. Martin [Nguyen] is one of the best in the world and it is an honor to share the ONE Championship cage with him,” said Folayang.
After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 18-5 professional record.
The 33-year-old veteran is currently riding a four-bout winning streak against high-profile opponents, including an emphatic technical knockout victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki to capture the ONE Lightweight World Championship in 2016.
“This is a bout for the fans, and I can’t wait to perform in front of my hometown crowd in Manila once again. I have complete respect for my opponent’s skills and together with my brothers at Team Lakay, my coach Mark Sangiao, I’m preparing to showcase the best version of Eduard Folayang on 10 November,” Folayang quipped.
Nguyen of Sydney, Australia, is a highlyskilled finisher and one of the most talented featherweights in martial arts.
Sporting a 9-1 professional record, Nguyen’s all-around skill set allows him to compete at the highest level of competition.
"I have the utmost respect for the lightweight champion, and will definitely not take his skills for granted. But this is going to be a dog fight. It's the first time two champions in different divisions go head-to-head in ONE, and I am excited to give the performance of a lifetime," said Nguyen. Roderick Osis