‘I Still Have A Lot To Offer’ – Eduard Folayang Eager To Kick-Start Career Resurgence Against Amir Khan
Eduard “Landslide” Folayang believes he can begin one last climb to the top at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham on Prime Video.
This Friday, September 29, the Filipino legend will face old foe Amir Khan at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and he wants to prove that he’s still a threat in ONE’s lightweight MMA ranks.
More than a decade and 24 fights into his storied ONE career, the former divisional king feels like there are more successful chapters to be written – starting with this rematch in North American primetime.
Speaking to onefc.com, “Landslide” said:
“I feel excited. This is another journey to be taken after 12 years. It was September 2011 when I started [competing] in ONE Championship, so it’s very meaningful for me.
“I will prepare very well for this fight, and I’m very excited to be in the Circle once again.”
One of the biggest topics of conversation ahead of this battle is whether Folayang’s decision to leave Team Lakay and start up his own squad at Lions Nation MMA can be the catalyst for a significant change.
The former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion hasn’t secured a win in mixed martial arts since 2019, earning just one victory since he defeated Khan for the gold back in November 2018.
The 39-year-old knows many have written him off already, but he’s hoping to prove those doubters wrong on Friday:
“Of course [I want to make a run at the World Title again]. That’s the goal. There is a lot of [doubt] now, especially that I’m on a losing streak. Everybody is saying, ‘Oh, he’s done.’
“But I don’t dwell on the failures and successes from the past. What I like to dwell on is the present and the things that I can still do.
“I have five straight losses [in MMA], but it is what it is, and I’ve learned my lesson. I’m looking forward to the time when I will be able to regain my [old] self because I know I still have a lot to offer.”
Folayang Excited For Long-Awaited Rematch With Khan
Eduard Folayang already holds a win over Amir Khan, but a lot can change in five years, and “Landslide” understands his past rival won’t be the same fighter he was in 2018.
Although both men have struggled to find consistent form since their World Title showdown, they have also continued to grind and improve in the gym, and the Filipino thinks this battle will showcase that hard work.
He said:
“We have had setbacks in our career, Amir [and I]. It’s been a roller-coaster ride for me. It was a very difficult time, but I know that both of us have been able to evolve since the first time [we fought].
“I think this is going to be a great fight for both of us. It’s how we can assess ourselves and see how far have we come after those five long years of experience.”
With both striking specialists desperate to get back on the winning track, they’ll each be gunning for a dominant performance on September 29.
Regardless of what happened in their first meeting or their results since then, the rematch at ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video means everything for their futures.
That’s why Folayang’s main goal is to leave with a win on his record – and if he can do it spectacularly, even better.
“Landslide” added:
“As much as possible [I will chase the knockout]. I’m looking for a submission or a knockout, but this sport is very unpredictable. If we’re able to get that [finish] then it will be a bonus.
“But this time, the most important thing for me is I can prepare myself and I can correct those mistakes that I made in the past to produce a better performance this time.”
