EDUARD Folayang is back on top of the world, reclaiming the ONE lightweight title he lost a year ago with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Amir Khan in Conquest of Champions on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Folayang lost the title to Martin Nguyen in November last year in this same venue but made sure not to go through the same agony against the Singaporean Khan as he became the MMA outfit's first two-time champion in any division.
Folayang's title win also capped an impressive year for Team Lakay as he became the fourth champion from the fabled Baguio stable this year, following in the footsteps of Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio and Joshua Pacio.
"I would like to thank God who taught my hand how to fight and guided me to victory," Folayang said after his third successive win improved his record to 21-6. "I am so inspired by the hard work of our team, I inspire them, they inspire me."
Khan fell to 11-4.
At age 35, Folayang seems to get better with age as he was methodical in his attacks and looked very fast on his feet. Khan had no answers as the proud son of Benguet peppered him with combinations from the start.
Folayang's best round was the second, where he connected on almost everything that he threw, from thundering leg kicks to spinning back fists which threw the Evolve MMA product off guard.
By the time the final bell sounded, the jampacked Moa Arena erupted in jubilation as Folayang, the face of Philippine MMA for the longest time, finally got his vindication.
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