FOR all the times former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard "Landslide" Folayang has inspired Filipino fighters worldwide, ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice "The Menace" Zamboanga hopes that it's Folayang's turn to enter his next match motivated.
Folayang will face his biggest rival Shinya Aoki at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan, where the Filipino looks to even the score against the Japanese fighter.
READ: Eduard Folayang's five biggest moments in illustrious MMA career
"Eduard Folayang is a true legend in Philippine MMA, and I have so much respect for everything he has accomplished. He's been an inspiration to so many of us, showing what the true Filipino fighting spirit is," Zamboanga said.
In the two lightweight greats' series, Aoki holds the upper hand with two submission wins over the Filipino, avenging a shocking TKO loss to Folayang in their first meeting back in 2016.
While Aoki may have Folayang's number, "The Menace" is confident things will end differently this time, noting how Lions Nation MMA members have improved since establishing their independence.
She cheered enthusiastically when Joshua Pacio unified the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title in his rivalry match against Jarred "The Monkey God" Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar last month. This gives her confidence that Folayang will tie the count before the Japanese legend retires.
"I saw how much the Lions Nation team has evolved, especially after watching Joshua's fight against Jarred Brooks, and that makes me even more excited to see Eduard in action," Zamboanga said.
"He's facing a longtime rival, and I know how much this means to him."
Zamboanga might not be there to support Folayang as she did Pacio, but she will be doing her part by wishing the Filipino icon a safe and successful outing.
"I'm rooting for him and praying for his victory," Zamboanga said, "believing that his hard work and experience will pay off."
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