By Brian Yalung
Reigning Lightweight champion Eduard Folayang defends his ONE Championship title against Japanese challenger Shinya Aoki, someone who he knows has prepared well and out to give his best. Both fighters square off in the main event of ONE: A New Era later today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
“I am well-prepared for this bout. I am so happy to be here in Japan for this historic event. This rematch is three years in the making. It’s an honor to face Shinya again. I believe this event is going to be explosive. History will be made,” said Folayang of Team Lakay.
The last time Folayang and Aoki faced off was during ONE: Defending Honor held on Nov. 11, 2016, in Singapore. “Landslide”, the challenger at that time, shocked the world when he ended Aoki’s reign with a third round TKO.
ONE Lightweight champion Eduard Folayang (L) and Shinya Aoki of Japan (R). (ONE Championship photo)
It will be a reversal of roles between the two fighters this time around. However, one advantage Aoki carries is that it will be held in his hometown. This means that Folayang will have to pull off a win in an expected raucous crowd.
“I am laser focused for this coming match. I’ve trained very hard for my opponent. This Sunday night, I am confident I can achieve victory and become World Champion once again” said Aoki on his upcoming fight with Folayang.
For Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao, the first-round will be critical for Folayang.
“Si Aoki kasi, grabe sa grappling yan. Karamihan ng mga panalo niya nangyayari sa first round,” cautioned Sangiao.
However, he believes to Folayang successfully defending his title is to survive the first round. Also, he pointed out how Folayang has never been forced to submit in his whole mixed martial arts career.
“Knowing Eduard, di pa sya nasu-submit sa whole career niya sa MMA. So pag hindi nangyari yun at mapunta sa later rounds, malaki chances manalo ni Eduard,” he said.
Since losing the title to Martin Nguyen last Nov. 10, 2017, Folayang has racked up three straight wins. That includes a unanimous decision against Amir Khan that allowed him to win the vacant ONE Lightweight Championship last Nov.23, 2018 at ONE: Conquest of Champions in Manila, Philippines.
For his part, Aoki has finally found his rhythm. After losing the title to Folayang and then to Ben Askren at ONE 63: Immortal Pursuit, the 35-year-old strung up three straight wins. His last was a submission win over Ev Ting during ONE: Kingdom of Heroes held in Bangkok, Thailand last October 6, 2018.
“I think he’s still the best at what he does, which is grappling, and that’s where I need to be more careful now more than ever,” said Folayang.