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Friday, March 29, 2024

Folayang ready to face best version of Aoki

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Less than a week before the biggest match of his career, ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang feels that he is better equipped to face Shinya “Tobikan Judan" Aoki when they meet again on Sunday, 31 March.

The 35-year-old Baguio City native is scheduled to headline the biggest card in ONE Championship history, as he is set to lock horns with the hometown hero at ONE: A NEW ERA, which emanates from the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

Facing arguably the best submission specialist in the sport, Folayang is confident that his improvement on the ground will play a key factor when he collides with the rejuvenated Japanese icon.

“I am really happy to be sharing the main event with him, and to face a legend like Aoki for the second time,” said Folayang.

“I could not be any happier. It’s an honor, definitely. He’s the greatest submission artist in the history of mixed martial arts. We all know how dangerous he is on the mat, but I’m confident with my skills and I will do whatever it takes to defend my belt.”

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Folayang shocked the world when he beat Aoki to win his first World Title at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR in Singapore back in November 2016.

The Japanese athlete would suffer his second straight loss courtesy of former ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT a year later.

But those defeats only motivated Aoki to fine-tune his skills. He found a second wind in his career, racking up three consecutive first-round wins to set up a rematch with Folayang.

“I knew that one day, [we] were gonna face each other again. It was really inevitable,” the Filipino shared.

“He has finished all his opponents, which means he’s determined to reclaim his belt. I think he’s still the best at what he does, especially when it comes to grappling.”

Despite the enormous challenge waiting for him in Tokyo, Folayang believes he has what it takes to score his second victory over Aoki in front of his hometown fans.

“This is definitely one of the best camps I had, which is just in time for the most important match of my career,” Folayang explained. 

“I think I have a mental and spiritual edge against Aoki. I know I have also improved from my last fight.

“As much as possible, I will not give him the opportunity to bring me down to the mat.”

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