Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang met with senior high school Filipino students in Qatar to close out his recent trip to Doha.
Folayang addressed the students at Philippine School Doha, sharing his journey in the world of martial arts and inspiring them to pursue excellence, regardless of their chosen fields.
While he was there to inspire the students, however, it was he who went home with an experience he’ll never forget. He was amazed with the community that they’ve built in the Middle East, making him feel like he never left the Philippines to begin with.
“Visiting Philippine Doha School was such a heartwarming experience. I saw passionate kids who truly love sports,” Folayang said.
“It’s amazing to see that even though they’re in the Middle East, they’re living in Qatar, the culture of the Philippines still lives through them. The traditions are still there, and they support each other out here.”
The Lions Nation MMA founder visited the school after holding a community watch party over dinner and drinks last Saturday. There, he bonded with his fellow Filipinos as they rewatched and celebrated Denice Zamboanga’s ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title win at ONE Fight Night 27.
It was part of the build-up to ONE 171: Qatar, which happens a little over a month from now on February 20 inside Lusail Sport Arena in Doha.
Folayang’s star student and ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will take center stage when he unifies his strap against interim king Jarred Brooks in the co-main event.
A month after that, it will be Folayang’s turn to return to competition when he takes on Shinya Aoki for the fourth time at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23.