PASAY CITY - With his conquest of challenger Ev Ting in their grueling five round encounter for the One Championship lightweight world championship, Eduard Folayang cemented his legacy as one of Asia’s best MMA fighter.
Folayang, of the famed Team Lakay, retained his retained his crown in front of thousands of spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena Friday night. Among those who watched his fight were Senator Manny Pacquiao, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa and former Vice President Jejomar Binay.
“I would like to thank Ev Ting, he really came prepared for this fight. We came to give the fans a good fight, and that’s what we have done,” said Folayang. “This is the essence of martial arts, five rounds to show how much we’ve prepared for a long time. [This fight] means a lot. A lot of you [fans] were discouraged the last time I was here, I slept on that mat. I rose up from my circumstances. I needed to train a lot to improve a lot. This is it on my shoulder. Thank you for your support,” Folayang said in a post fight interview.
Folayang masterfully display his superb striking skills in defeating the top Malaysian lightweight. Operating behind his world-class wushu stance, Folayang dazzled with his trademark variety of lightning quick and powerful spinning attacks, pouncing on Ting with sidekicks and back fists.
Controlling the action from the outside with the intent to counter, Folayang allowed Ting to come forward with his attacks which were few and far between. In the end, all three judges agreed on Folayang winning a unanimous decision.
The reigning lightweight champion was all praises for his challenger who went toe-to-toe in their 25 minute encounter.
“Ting really prepared and came to the fight fully armed. He took some good shots and landed some too,” said the champion who suffered a cut above his eye brow.
Ting despite his effort said he got frustrated while trying to take away the game plan of his opponent.
“You got to give it to the champion, he played his game and I was not able to execute my game plan,” said a teary-eyed Ting during the post fight press conference.
“In the end you just have to give the respect to Folayang,” added Ting. “You should all be proud for having a champion like him.”
Prior to their bout, Pacquiao had a brief visit inside Folayang’s dug out and gave a few words of encouragement for the Igorot champion.
"I'm so happy na dumating, napakalaking inspirasyon yung dumating siya. I was encouraged nung sinabi niya you are one of the legends of MMA in the Philippines, I wish you good luck. We're here to support you," Folayang told reporters.