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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Eduard Folayang: The man inspiring Joshua Pacio's comeback fight

Eduard Folayang: The man inspiring Joshua Pacio's comeback fight

Published Oct 6, 2023 02:19 am

At A Glance

  • Having seen how hard work paid off for his senior in former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard Folayang after "Landslide" dispatched Amir Khan in the third round last week, Pacio is excited to showcase his own skills. 

As fight day dawns for former two-time ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, he knows that he’s done the necessary work to score the all-important win. 

Joshua-Pacio-DC-8842 (1).jpeg
Joshua “The Passion” Pacio and Eduard "Landslide" Folayang (ONE Championship)

Pacio takes on #5-ranked Mansur Malachiev at ONE Fight Night 15: Le vs. Freymanov inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Saturday, Oct. 7. 

Having seen how hard work paid off for his senior in former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard Folayang after “Landslide” dispatched Amir Khan in the third round last week, Pacio is excited to showcase his own skills. 

“I was so hyped watching the fight of kuya Eduard. That motivated me to come out for my fight strong. I’m really excited to fight now after seeing that win,” he said. 

Folayang stated in earlier interviews that he hoped the win would relieve his teammates' pressure heading into their future matches – starting with Pacio this Saturday. 

From the sounds of it, his win certainly worked wonders for the 27-year-old. In fact, he’s coming into this fight loose, free of stress, and highly confident. 

“In a sense, because of that win, there’s no pressure for me, no pressure at all. Only excitement,” he said. 

“That win, alongside how the team’s been so supportive during the lead-up to the fight, puts my mind at ease. It's very heartwarming.”

But the effect that Folayang has on him isn’t just because of his latest win.

Pacio has remained with the Filipino MMA icon ever since leaving Team Lakay and, having trained with him during the build up to this fight, he’s picked up invaluable lessons. 

“Having been with him for quite some time, his leadership skills are evident. He walks the talk,” he said. 

“He encourages everyone to push for the extra mile and leads by example. He inspires me. Seeing him get back to the winning track makes me realize that I can certainly get back with a win.” 

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