The addition of Eddie Alvarez to the ONE Championship roster has made the competition in the lightweight division even more heated.
Folayang is bidding for a second run at the ONE lightweight title against Amir Khan on Friday at ONE: Conquest of Champions at Mall of Asia Arena, but win or lose, he’s prepared to work his way up in the Grand Prix.
“I don’t want to hear the word ‘loss’ but yes, I’m ready,” said Folayang on Tuesday during the press conference at City of Dreams Manila when asked whether he’s ready to suit up for the Grand Prix, which is happening next year.
ONE Championship announced earlier this month that it will hold a last-man-standing kind of tournament that will feature the best in the stacked flyweight and lightweight divisions. The top eight in both weight classes will fight it out to ultimately get the world title.
It will be like a coming out party for the promotion’s prized recruits which also includes flyweight king Demetrious Johnson, who signed with ONE Championship shortly after Alvarez.
But, at the moment, Folayang is more focused on the task at hand, which is a shot at redemption for the crown he once held. He can make history by being the first two-time lightweight champion.
“Last year, I was in the same place but things didn’t go expected. I lost the belt but I worked my ass out. This is another story to watch out for. I’m here because I worked hard for it. Of course, that’s what martial arts is, that even if you fall, there’s a 100 chance for you to come back and a single defeat cannot define us.” said Folayang.
If Folayang beats Khan, which is no easy opponent considering he has the record in the most knockouts in the promotion, he will be the fourth champion this year under Team Lakay.