Folayang returns to Singapore as comeback bid begins

Former lightweight champion Eduard Folayang. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines — Brimming with confidence, former two-time ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang hopes to rediscover his form in the same place he’s celebrated his most memorable victories.

Folayang has fallen off the rankings after dropping three of his last four fights, including a split decision loss to Pieter Buist last January in Manila.

But a ring return to Singapore for ONE: Inside the Matrix may be just what the Team Lakay legend needs to get back on track in hopes of contending for a title again.

“It always starts in Singapore,” said Folayang, who left for Singapore Wednesday along with his coach Mark Sangiao, in Filipino during Tuesday’s PSA Forum webcast.

“This fight is really important for myself, my team and the country as well because we want to get the belt for the third time and it always starts in Singapore because I’ve had good experiences there.”

Folayang (22-9), is 6-1 in Singapore and it was in the Lion City where the Filipino MMA icon delivered the biggest win of his career when he stopped Japanese legend Shinya Aoki to capture the lightweight crown for the first time.

Though, upbeat, victory won’t come easy for Folayang against Australian Antonio Caruso (7-1).

Another loss could be the final blow to the 36-year-old Folayang’s bid for to reclaim the belt.

Despite his ward’s predicament, Sangiao has no doubt Folayang’s time is not yet over.

“We’re claiming this. We’re claiming Eduard to be the lightweight champion again. I believe in him, and for as long as the fire is still there I believe he can still do it.”