Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang has always been reluctant to be “The Face of Philippine MMA,” but that’s slowly changing as he enters the twilight of his career.
Folayang, who takes on rival-turned-good-friend Shinya Aoki for the fourth time at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23, has spent his time the last couple of months being the ambassador of the sport for the general masses.
Before focusing on training for his fight against his old nemesis, Folayang spent time talking to young Filipinos abroad, starting when he accompanied Joshua Pacio to Qatar then during his short visit to Auckland, New Zealand.
READ: Folayang still has something to prove in fourth fight with Aoki
“I’m trying to take advantage of my time outside of the country to really reach out to our countrymen out there, be the ambassador of sorts for this sport, introduce those who aren’t too familiar with what we do with our sport and make them understand what MMA is,” Folayang said.
“Being the face of Philippine MMA, I always try to inspire people regardless of the fields that they are in – or if they want to try and pursue MMA as well. I’m really embracing that role now, being the ambassador of the sport and the face of Philippine MMA.”
And perhaps there’s no better fighter to represent the sport in the Philippines than Folayang. He has embodied the core values of martial arts since he was starting up until now, the final stretch of his career.
Not only that, but he has the character and resume to be an ambassador, being a two-time ONE MMA World Champion when the sport in the Philippines was still in its infancy.
And he’s certainly feeling the love from his kababayans everywhere he goes.
“I’m so happy because the reception that I’ve received is so warm,” he said. “I can see that they’re proud of us. Not just me but all the fighters representing our nation in mixed martial arts. I can see that they truly want to know more about the sport.”
But he’s not done yet. After doing his part as the face of Philippine MMA, he’s headed back into action as one of its warhorses at Saitama Super Arena in Japan to face Aoki for what could be his last fight.
And make no mistake about it, he’s coming in full of intent to win it all.
“With two weeks left before Japan, I’m in the peak of my training right now,” Folayang said. “I’m pushing hard to make sure I come in there truly prepared.”
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