Eduard Folayang Announces Departure From Team Lakay
Filipino MMA icon and former three-time ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang posted a heartfelt message on his verified Facebook page this past Friday, announcing his sudden departure from Team Lakay.
The 39-year-old veteran has been a member of Team Lakay for nearly two decades. During his tenure, “Landslide” became a pillar for the brand and helped the Baguio City-based collective rise to prominence as one of the most successful martial arts troupes in the world.
In his post, Folayang expressed gratitude for all that he experienced in his journey with Team Lakay.
He wrote:
“Words will not suffice to aptly impart how grateful I am for our camaraderie that has led to our achievements and victories inside the Circle, as well as the heartbreaks that have driven us to keep going in pursuit of our ultimate goal. I will forever cherish every moment like a precious treasure.”
Folayang cited personal growth and development as the official reason for his exit. He looks to explore other options in terms of training, as he winds down the final years of his professional MMA career.
“Landslide” continued:
“Sadly, and with a heavy heart, my journey with Team Lakay has reached its final stretch. I believe there are still a few things I must accomplish in what remains in my active years as an athlete.
“The profession I have chosen requires me to learn, evolve, and grow. In order for me to achieve this, I must step out of my comfort zone and discover new ways to foster my development as a martial artist.”
Eduard Folayang Leaves Team Lakay With A Legacy Of Excellence
Eduard Folayang first donned Team Lakay’s signature red and black trunks as a professional MMA fighter in 2007. He won regional titles in the Philippines before headlining ONE Championship’s inaugural card, ONE: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION, in September 2011.
Folayang captured the ONE Lightweight World Title for the first time in November 2016, defeating Japanese legend Shinya Aoki via third-round TKO. He successfully defended the gold months later with a unanimous decision victory over Ev Ting, but he ultimately lost the belt to Martin Nguyen in late November 2017.
“Landslide” re-established himself as the division’s best by claiming the vacant lightweight throne with a unanimous decision win over Amir Khan in November 2018. The Filipino, however, would surrender the belt once more to Aoki via first-round submission in March 2019.
Folayang has been on the comeback trail ever since.
By all indications, the 39-year-old parted ways with Team Lakay amicably, as his former head coach and the gym’s founder, Mark Sangiao, posted a reaction to the announcement.
Sangiao wrote:
“Eduard ‘The Landslide’ Folayang, wishing you all the best and good luck on your next venture and adventure. I pray that this will lead you to continuous growth and to be a better individual for His glory, for the sports that we both love, for the country and for the generations after us. So long Lakay, see you on the road.”
