Team Lakay veteran Eduard Folayang is hoping to open the year on a good note by capturing the elusive win in ONE Championship.
Taking inspiration from the recent victories of his teammates, Folayang said he will enter the Circle anew on high morale against seasoned Japanese-Korean fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama in ONE on TNT IV at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on April 28.
For the 37-year-old Team Lakay stalwart, facing a legend in Akiyama is also an extra motivation for his mission.
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"Yoshihiro Akiyama is a legend and a veteran of the cage. His name is known throughout the world. This fight excites me because I know I’m going up against a great fighter. I’m working hard to come into the Circle well-conditioned with my mind and body,” said Folayang, who owns a 22-10 record.
"The key to this fight is going to be the preparation. We’re coming up with a solid game plan. He’s not going to be an easy opponent. But at the same time, I’m confident in my skills. This time, I will aim for a steadfast victory," he added, hoping to barge in the win column this time after dropping four of his last five fights since March 2019.
Folayang last saw action in ONE Championship last October and suffered defeat at the hands of Aussie opponent Antonio Caruso in ONE: Inside the Matrix.
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The 45-year-old Akiyama, for his part, will scale down from the welterweight to lightweight division.
He has a 1-1 record in the Singapore-based promotion and holds an overall 15-7 card.