Eduard “Landslide” Folayang is putting his past behind him as he looks for a more fruitful 2024 as the leader of Lions Nation MMA.
The former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion is ecstatic for what the new year holds after an up-and-down year that was 2023.
“Tapos na ‘yung nakalipas and we’re looking forward sa kung anong makukuha natin in 2024. We’re excited at naniniwala na maraming opportunities ang mag-open para sa atin ngayong 2024,” he said.
Among those early opportunities which cropped up for Lions Nation MMA are the big fights which were announced for its stars.
Danny “The King” Kingad will kick off the stable’s year as he rematches against Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE 165: Rodtang vs. Takeru on Jan. 28 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Then, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will be aiming to recapture his ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship against rival Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks at ONE 166: Qatar on March 1 at Lusail Sports Arena.
To Folayang, his confidence is drawn from how the team was able to adapt after the tumultuous year that saw them depart Team Lakay to form their own group.
As uncertain as those circumstances might have been, it showed the group’s trust in one another.
“Ang isa sa pinakamaganda na nangyari is we’ve been able to prove that we can stand on our own,” Folayang continued.
“Nandoon ‘yung unity ng bawat isa at mas tumibay pa ‘yung samahan namin dahil we’re guided by one vision.”
But as much as he’s serving as the head of the table, it doesn’t mean that Folayang is ready to step aside full time, making it clear that he still has a lot left in his tank.
More than anything, training with these young guns only motivates him further to continue grinding as he seeks to have two to three more fights this year and hope to at least be in the conversation for a possible championship contention.
“Nakikita natin ‘yung younger version ng sarili natin on them. It reminds us to have that hunger na ‘di dapat nawawala,” said the 40-year-old Folayang.
“I always believe na tatanda lang ako sa paglalaro kapag nawala na ‘yung motivation and hunger ko to get what we want. And hindi naman nawawala ‘yun kaya grateful din ako sa mga kasama ko kasi they always remind me not to forget the things that made me a world champion.”