Folayang knew Belingon would defeat Nguyen: ‘He was smart in our preparation’

If there was someone who wasn’t surprised with Kevin Belingon’s victory over Martin Nguyen, it was former ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang.

Belingon put on a striking master class that that discombobulated whatever game plan Nguyen had as Team Lakay’s “Silencer” took the win and the ONE interim bantamweight title via unanimous decision in the ONE: Reign of Kings card.

Folayang, who lost his title to Nguyen, said he already predicted Belingon’s victory even before the match started.

“I predicted that Kevin would win, you can see that he works hard and he was smart in our preparation,” said Folayang Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Folayang (20-6) was in the same card as Belingon and easily handled erstwhile undefeated Russian Aziz Pahrudinov (20-1) for his second straight win.

And Folayang made sure that he not only prepared for his fight against Pahrudinov, but help Belingon in his preparation for Nguyen.

“We helped each other in whatever way we can,” said Folayang. “I think this is one of the memorable moments for our team.”

Folayang added that after he saw Belingon dominate the fight, he knew that he can prepare better if ever there will be a rematch against Nguyen in the future.

“The first time I fought Martin I overlooked some things and I forgot that this is MMA and there’s a way for your opponents to hit you in the fight,” said Folayang who lost to Nguyen via knockout.

“After Kevin’s fight I really learned a lot and I need to be careful on the areas especially those that are the opponent’s strong suits.”