Eduard Folayang looks at Eddie Alvarez after their ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix fight at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It ended just as quick as it started.
Eduard Folayang was mere moments from a thrilling victory in his ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semifinals bout against Eddie Alvarez in ONE: Dawn of Heroes when disaster struck for the Team Lakay stalwart.
After a sweeping outside leg kick brought Alvarez to the mat, Folayang went into pure offense raining down punches down his opponent’s way.
READ: Eduard Folayang submits to Eddie Alvarez to end brutal night for Team Lakay
Alvarez, however, managed to get into his guard and just mere seconds locked in a rear-naked choke to submit Folayang 2:16 into the first round.
“I rushed, I think that’s one of my mistakes,” said Folayang Friday at Mall of Asia Arena. “I was not focused and I wanted to get up as soon as possible and I forgot I’m vulnerable in that position.”
Eddie Alvarez overcomes Eduard Folayang’s fearsome wushu striking to score a submission victory and a spot in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix finals! @Ealvarezfight #WeAreONE #DawnOfHeroes #Manila #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/GsC9RNqL9F
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) August 2, 2019
Folayang (21-8) was coming off a loss against Shinya Aoki where he relinquished his ONE World lightweight title and a win over Alvarez would’ve not only sent him to the finals of the Grand Prix but could’ve also given him immense momentum heading into the future.
Alvarez (30-7), for his part, was able to break a two-game slid with his first victory in ONE Championship. He set up about against Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev in the finals in Tokyo on Oct. 13.
READ: Eddie Alvarez says he’s ‘better fighter by far’ than Eduard Folayang
Folayang, who was one of the four Team Lakay fighters to lost their bouts in the card, added he was impatient during the fight and his desire for a quick finish proved vital.
“I was so eager to get the finish and I think that’s the mistake,” said Folayang. “I became impatient and I wanted to finish him as soon as possible but it didn’t go that way.”