Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao and Eduard Folayang. INQUIRER PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino mixed martial arts legend Eduard Folayang has left his longtime camp Team Lakay.
After 16 years of mentorship under the prestigious Baguio-based stable, Folayang announced that he is parting ways with coach Mark Sangiao and Team Lakay.
Folayang, popularly known as “Landslide,” cited his desire to “step out of his comfort zone” as a reason for his departure.
“I believe there are still a few things I must accomplish in what remains in my active years as an athlete. The profession I have chosen requires me to learn, evolve, and grow. In order for me to achieve this, I must step out of my comfort zone and discover new ways to foster my development as a martial artist,” said the combat fighter in a Facebook post.
“I realize this will not be easy. But I hold onto the promise that the race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but to the one who patiently and determinedly endures to the end.”
The welterweight fighter was one of the first names to boom from Team Lakay.
The 5-foot-9 wushu practitioner tallied a professional record of 22 wins and 13 losses under the tutelage of Sangiao.
He is, however, caught in a rut of a five-match losing streak in ONE Championship.
His latest loss came from Edson Marques via technical knockout in the second round last December in ONE on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin.
Team Lakay, on the other hand, completely understood Folayang’s decision to leave the camp.
“Wishing you all the best and good luck on your next venture and adventure. I pray that this will lead you to continuous growth and to be a better individual for His glory, for the sports that we both love, for the country and for the generations after us,” told Sangiao via a Team Lakay Facebook post.
“So long Lakay, see you on the road.”
The 39-year-old Folayang, who has repeatedly shrugged off calls for retirement amid his losing streak, has not announced his next destination.