Stunning KO loss ‘big lesson learned’ for Folayang

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The last time Eduard Folayang got knocked out, he bounced back and became a world champion.

It’s hard not to bet on the Filipino MMA star to redeem himself after suffering a KO at the hands of Martin Nguyen on Friday night in the main event of ONE: Legends of the World.

It was a brutal loss for Folayang, who laid flat on his back after walking into a crushing right hand by Nguyen in the second round.

Folayang, who relinquished his lightweight title, vowed to make his way back.

READ: Nguyen knocks out Folayang for ONE lightweight title 

“I assure my followers and the fans of Team Lakay that I am alright and there is nothing to be anxious about. I am still in good physical condition,” said Folayang, who commended his foe and good friend Nguyen.

“I tip my hat off to Martin Nguyen. He did his homework well and came very prepared,” he said. “Because of this, my hunger for improvement remains unsatiated. This is a big lesson learned. I believe challenges inside and outside the cage always bring out the best in us. I assure you that the journey doesn’t end here.”

In December of 2014, Folayang was dealt with a devastating defeat when he took a flying knee and soccer kicks to the head from Russian Timofey Nastyukhin.

READ: Folayang preparing for Nguyen’s speed 

The 32-year-old Folayang went on a four-fight streak since then, including a stunning stoppage of Japanese legen Shinya Aoki in 2016 to earn the lightweight belt.

“The odds were not in my favor last Friday. Nevertheless, Team Lakay and I will exert our best efforts to wave our Philippine flag more triumphantly in 2018.”