Eduard Folayang 'Hungry' To Defend His Belt Against The Best

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang is delighted to be ONE Lightweight World Champion again.

The Filipino hero began his second reign at the top of the division on Friday, 23 November after his all-action bout with Amir Khan at ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS.

He won the battle at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines by unanimous decision, a day after turning 35.

Following the contest, he caught up with ONE Championship commentator, Michael “The Voice” Schiavello to reflect on his performance.

“I wanted to finish him, but Amir is a tough guy,” Folayang said.

“He was able to manage to get to the later rounds. All respect to him – we gave a good show.

“Of course, I’m happy with my performance, even if it goes long. I appreciated every second of it.”

Khan predicted a finish inside three rounds, but the Baguio City native said he did not feel like he was in any danger throughout the bout’s 25-minute duration.

Though “Landslide” was more than 10 years Khan’s senior on event night, he showed no signs of slowing down as the bout went on.

In fact, he only got stronger in the championship rounds as he continued to threaten with high volumes of flashy offense, including his trademark spinning kicks.

“Ever since I was young, I liked Bruce Lee movies. I think it is just instinct and I was able to deliver it well,” he said.

As the fourth member of Team Lakay to hold a belt in ONE Championship, and the fifth Filipino overall after Brandon “The Truth Vera’s win in the main event, Folayang said he was happy to be a part of his nation’s martial arts “glory days.”

He added that he was excited to make sure they continue as he looked towards the challenges ahead.

The first defense of his second reign as World Champion awaits, as well as the possibility of a place in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix.

“I’m ready. I’m always improving, and I’m always hungry to get better every day,” he said.