Folayang, Khan dispute vacant ONE lightweight title in Manila

Eduard Folayang. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A new ONE lightweight champion will be crowned not long after the title was vacated by Martin Nguyen several days ago.

ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong on Monday announced that Filipino MMA star Eduard Folayang and Singaporean knockout artist Amir Khan will dispute the belt at ONE: Conquest of Champions on November 23 at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I am excited to announce that Eduard ‘Landslide’ Folayang and Amir Khan will face each other for the ONE Lightweight World Championship on November 23 in Manila,” Sityodtong wrote on his Facebook account. “The stakes could not be any higher for both warriors in what will be the biggest fight of their careers.”

The 33-year-old Folayang earned his shot to reclaim the crown he yielded when got knocked out cold in the second round by Nguyen in November last year after scoring a pair of impressive decision wins over previously undefeated Russian fighters Aziz Pahrudinov and Kharun Atlangeriev.

“Eduard wants to reclaim his title and go down as the greatest Filipino martial artist in history.” Sityodtong said.

But Folayang’s road back to the top will have to go through a dangerous foe in Khan.

The 23-year-old Khan, who has won eight of his last fights, eyes history for Singapore as he hopes to become the country’s first homegrown world champion in his first title fight.

“Amir wants to become Singapore’s first homegrown World Champion in history, and stamp his legacy as the greatest Singaporean martial artist the world has ever seen.” said Sityodtong said of Khan, who beat Filipino Honorio Banario via submission earlier this month.

Sityodtong also said whoever wins between Folayang and Khan will defend the lightweight strap against the victor of the Shinya Aoki and Ev Ting showdown at ONE: Kingdom of Heroes on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Barring any injuries or unforeseen circumstances, I fully expect the winner between Ev and Shinya to face the winner between Eduard and Amir in Tokyo.” Sityodtong said. 

 “Without a doubt, it is super exciting times for this incredibly stacked division. Hold your breath though. I am going to announce more explosive news soon. Stay tuned.”