Filipino mixed martial arts icon Eduard “Landslide” Folayang may be in the late stretches of his fighting career but he still maintains the end is nowhere near as the veteran fighter believes he is merely turning a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Folayang revealed he is keen on facing either Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama in a mixed martial arts bout or Sage Northcutt in a wushu vs. karate spectacle.
“Sure, ‘Sexyama’ is a very good challenge to pursue especially since he just came from a big win as well,” Folayang said.
Akiyama recently ended a feud with fellow Japanese great Shinya Aoki at ONE X. ‘Sexyama’ pulled off an emotional second-round technical knockout victory after he survived Aoki’s tricky submission attempts in the opening round.
And while Folayang says he isn’t sure whether or not he is willing to feature in another Super Series bout, a match against American sensation “Super” Sage Northcutt remains an enticing proposition.
“I’m honestly not sure about a Super Series fight but I really want a wushu vs. karate fight against Northcutt,” Folayang said.
Folayang sent John Wayne Parr into retirement stunned with dominant unanimous decision victories on March 26, 2022 when he last appeared in the Circle.
A whole lot viewed Folayang to have made an impressive Muay Thai debut by outclassing Parr at his own game in three explosive rounds but the Cordilleran fans who followed his career knew that this dangerous and lethal striking demon can routinely record victories whenever performing at Team Lakay’s bread and butter arena.
Folayang and Parr put on an absolute classic at ONE Championship’s landmark 10th-anniversary show in Singapore last March. It was “Landslide’s” first win following a string of heartbreaking setbacks in MMA.
The two legends poured it all in a match that belied the years they’ve both put into their respective martial arts careers.
“The Landslide” won the exchanges early in the match, connecting a variety of kicks and combinations to make his legendary opponent wary of pushing forward with his attacks.
A series of spinning backfists and kicks by Folayang highlighted the early parts of the second round until a right hand from the Filipino send the Australian kneeling to the mat for an eight count became the key action of the round.
Folayang then punctuated his best round by landing a spinning kick to Parr’s head.
Though Folayang dominated the early going against Parr, the veteran Aussie turned back the clock to give the Filipino stalwart trouble in the final round.
Knowing he was down on the scorecards, Parr went all in resulting to a slugfest and furious exchanges between the two legends until the final bell sounded.
Folayang, though, weathered Parr’s late attack and took home the unanimous decision win. Team Lakay’s elder statesman said his win against Parr was a gust of inspiration to him and it would motivate him in his future battles ahead.
“That win against JWP was a huge motivation-booster for me to keep going no matter what lies in my future fights,” Folayang said.
Highlighting the round was Folayang connecting more of his spinning attacks while Parr sneaked in flying knee that momentarily stunned his rival and send the pro-Australian crowd cheering wildly.
Folayang, looking more gassed than his rival at completion of the bout, put screeching halt to his horrible slump, a four-bout losing skid and six of the last seven MMA bouts.
This was his first win in ONE Super Series. He sports a 22-12 in mixed martial arts.
He also deprived Parr from winning 100th victory of his kickboxing and Muay Thai career. Parr will close his career with a 99-35-1 record, something not to be ashamed of.
By Armando M. Bolislis