Aoki-Folayang Trilogy Set For ‘ONE On TNT IV,’ Northcutt Out
American star “Super” Sage Northcutt’s eagerly anticipated return to the Circle has been postponed, but a thrilling trilogy showdown is rising from the ashes.
The 25-year-old Northcutt is still suffering from the lingering effects of COVID-19 and has withdrawn from his scheduled lightweight mixed martial arts matchup with Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki at “ONE on TNT IV” on Wednesday, 28 April.
However, a strong replacement has been found to face the surging Japanese legend live on North American prime-time television.
Eduard “Landslide” Folayang was initially slated to battle Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama on the same bill, but Akiyama has also been forced to the sidelines due to injury.
As a result, Aoki and Folayang have agreed to square off in a trilogy bout that will offer them the chance to settle their longstanding rivalry on the global stage.
They first met at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR in November 2016, where Folayang knocked out “Tobikan Judan” to claim the ONE Lightweight World Championship.
In March 2019 — after Folayang had captured the World Title gold again — they rematched at ONE: A NEW ERA, where Aoki exacted his revenge with a stunning first-round submission.
The score is now level at 1-1, which sets up an exciting rubber match between two of the lightweight division’s former kings.
Striker Folayang and grappler Aoki know each other intimately at this stage in their careers, and they will relish the chance to get ahead in their memorable series.
Along with this fascinating contest, there is plenty more to get excited about on the 28 April card, including another trilogy fight for the ONE Light Heavyweight World Title.
In the night’s main event, Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang will put his gold on the line against fierce adversary Vitaly Bigdash.
The Myanmar star and his Russian rival have gone the five-round distance in both of their previous matches, so they are well-acquainted and want to put a stamp on their storied rivalry.
Stay tuned to ONEFC.com for more details about “ONE on TNT IV.”
Read more: Aung La N Sang Relaxes By Throwing Axes
