ONE: Eduard Folayang plans to keep PH in limelight after Catriona Gray’s victory

Photo from ONE Championship

Eduard Folayang has a little motivation when he stakes his crown against a very familiar foe in a packed and stellar card that ONE Championship will stage in Japan this March.

“Of course, it’s another chance to represent the country. Who shies away from that? Also, I don’t want to spoil what Catriona Gray has begun,” Folayang told the Inquirer over the phone in jest in Ilocano.

Folayang was referring to Gray’s victory recently in the Miss Universe pageant.

But an even bigger inspiration lies closer to home as Folayang bared he is expecting another baby.

The 33-year-old Team Lakay skipper is slated to defend his lightweight world championship against the very fighter he dethroned in 2016, grappling virtuoso Shinya Aoki.

“He deserves the shot. I think the rematch makes for a great show,” Folayang added.

The Japan showpiece set March 31 will feature Xiong Jin Nan and Aung La N Sang defending their respective titles, with MMA superstars Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez making their ONE debuts.

The card, titled “A New Era,” marks the first time ONE mounts a showcase in Japan. It will also kick off the flyweight Grand Prix.