Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard
“Landslide” Folayang will share the stage
with American mixed martial arts legend Eddie
“The Underground King” Alvarez when the two square off
in the main event of ONE: DAWN OF HEROES on
August 2 in Manila.
Folayang, who has
dreamed of a bout with Alvarez ever since “The Underground King” signed with
ONE Championship last year, says he is ready for an intense battle with his
American counterpart.
“I was very excited when
I heard the news that Eddie Alvarez was next for me,” Folayang said.
“He’s one of the most
well-known martial artists in the world. In many ways, he’s a legend. Sharing
the ring with him is my honor and privilege. At the same time, I don’t plan on
backing down. He deserves the best challenge and I’m going to give it to him.
I’m here to represent Asia in this battle between the East and the West.”
Folayang is a few months
removed from losing his lightweight title to Japanese legend Shinya Aoki at ONE: A
NEW ERA. Alvarez was knocked
out by Timofey Nastyukhin in his ONE debut on the same card.
Both men are out for redemption and both are
looking at making a run at the ONE Lightweight World Title currently held by
Christian Lee.
Folayang and Alvarez are
two of the most dynamic offensive forces in the sport, and the Filipino veteran
expects nothing but fireworks when the two share the ONE Championship ring at
the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m going to go toe-to-toe with him. It’s going
to be a war and a fight for the fans,” Folayang said.
“Everyone’s going to love what we will do in the
ring. I think it will be one of the most exciting fights of the year. Eddie
always comes to fight and I never back down from a challenge. I’m ready to go.”
The Baguio City native
is putting all his focus on his upcoming bout. A win against an exceptional
athlete like Alvarez would be a huge boost for his ascent back to the top spot.
This is without a doubt Folayang’s biggest test. As such, “Landslide” is ready
to turn in his most spectacular performance to date.
“I’m both spiritually
and mentally ready for this fight,” Folayang concluded.
“Right now, we’re just
polishing our skills, making sure I’m as sharp as possible on the day of the
fight. No doubt, this is going to be one of the biggest challenges of my
career. I never imagined I would be able to face a really big name and one of
the most popular fighters in the world. I have to be on point so I can give a
good performance. I have to be accurate and precise with my techniques.”
