Ev Ting. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Bracing for his first shot at a major world title, Kiwi-Malaysian Ev Ting believes that he more than deserves to finally get his place in the spotlight.
“This is my first chance at a world title and I feel like I have done everything in my career. I took no shortcuts, I overcame all my injuries, I overcame all my fights, I did everything my coach asked of me, I did every media obligation asked of me, and I think it’s time I get what I’m owed,” he said.
Ting is challenging ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang for the title in the main event of ONE: Kings of Destiny on April 21 at Mall of Asia Arena, and he knows that he’s facing an uphill climb in his attempt to dislodge the reigning champion from his throne.
READ: Folayang learning from stablemates’ mistakes vs Ting
But it’s not like this is Ting’s first go-round against Filipino fighters.
The 27-year-old has carved a reputation as a bane of Filipino mixed martial artists after stopping seven fighters in the past, including Folayang’s Team Lakay stablemates Honorio Banario and Edward Kelly.
However, Ting acknowledges that Folayang might be his biggest challenge yet.
“First of all, Eduard is a very respected champion. I would say he’s a prototype of the Filipinos I have faced and he’s obviously adapted his game. He showed that in his fight with Shinya Aoki and his wrestling has gone up many levels. He has improved every single fight and he has something more to fight for, especially in here his hometown, so a lot of respect to the champion,” he said.
READ: Folayang to defend ONE title vs Ting in Manila
Iron toughens iron, and as Ting prepares for the biggest fight in his MMA career, he’s just eager to show what he can do against a top-caliber talent like Folayang in front of a packed Philippine crowd.
“It’s an honor to be here in Manila. I feel like Filipino fans are one of the most passionate that I’ve ever seen. I have been fortunate enough to be here for some of these shows, you guys cheer for everybody, including the ring girls, everyone, so you guys are wild up here,” he said. “But again, I represent something much bigger than nations and flags. I represent everybody that’s in the game.”