Former three-time ONE lightweight MMA world champion Eduard Folayang of the Philippines has spent over 15 years building one of the most decorated careers in Asian martial arts history.
What drives him now runs deeper than titles. “Landslide” faces Japanese judoka “Great Teacher” Shozo Isojima in a lightweight MMA clash at The Inner Circle 21 on Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
The 42-year-old veteran has openly described the fight as a potential crossroads moment, one that could determine how much further he takes his competitive career. But whatever the outcome, the mission that defines his life in the sport extends well beyond the results column.
Having risen from humble beginnings in Baguio City to become a national sporting icon in the Philippines, Folayang understands the platform that comes with sustained success at the highest level.
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“I take it very seriously and with great pride,” he told ONE Championship. “Beyond the skills, I want our future martial artists to be well-equipped with proper values. If they become recognized, I want to show them how to be able to handle themselves. I’m honored to show the next generation the way.”
Skills alone have never been the full measure of Eduard Folayang. The way he carries himself has always been just as important as the way he fights.
Eduard Folayang gets real on where he stands after this fight
Eduard Folayang admitted he’s uncertain if he will leave his gloves in the ring after his match with Shozo Isojima.
While at 42, he’s no longer the spring chicken he once was, he feels he still has a lot to give to the sport.
“The thing is, when I retire, I want it because I feel fulfilled already,” he told ONE. “There are a lot of fighters who we see retire at the peak of their careers, then eventually they fight again. I want to avoid that dilemma.”
Fans can watch him compete live by purchasing The Inner Circle at live.onefc.com.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
