Eduard Folayang’s Most Important Fight of his Career, Why?

Filipino pride Eduard Folayang is ready to restart his journey back to the top of the division as he heads to ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX. Eduard Folayang will face Australian standout Antonio Caruso, in what he considers as the “biggest of his career.”

Fighting out of Team Lakay, Eduard Folayang is arguably the biggest MMA athlete in the Philippines. From a struggling school teacher to becoming one of the most decorated world champions in the mixed martial art sports industry, Eduard Folayang’s life story has inspired many.

Eduard Folayang looks to capitalize on his historic success when fighting in Singapore. Folayang’s fame on the international platforms started in Singapore when he headlined the first-ever ONE Championship event in 2011. “This fight is very important for me, for my team, and for my country. We want to get that belt for the third time. And it always starts in Singapore because I had good experiences there”. Folayang said in the Philippine Sportswriter Association forum.

Eduard Folayang’s record is 6-1 when fighting in Singapore stadium. It is also in Singapore that he accomplished the biggest victory of his career by knocking out Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, winning his first belt, the ONE Lightweight world title.

“This is the most important fight of his career. This will put him to the top level again,” said Team Lakay founder and coach Mark Sangiao at the Philippine Sportswriter Association forum. Eduard Folayang has been on a rough stretch since losing his belt to rival Shinya Aoki, in March 2019. Eduard has now lost 3 out of his 4 last fights. One of which was a painful loss to Eddie Alvarez, whom he had hurt and in trouble. In his last fight, Eduard suffered a tough split decision loss against Pieter Buist.

“What’s most important is we must know our purpose in Singapore and that is to win the fight. I need to find ways to entertain myself.” Folayang said. “We still have so many things to undergo until the fight night. But physically, mentally, and spiritually, Eduard is 100% ready” Coach Sangiao said.

Eduard Folayang vs Antonio Caruso Fight Breakdown

Eduard Folayang and Antonio Caruso have one common opponent, Pieter Buist. Both had dropped decision losses against Pieter. Antonio Caruso’s gameplan is obvious in this match, bring Eduard Folayang to the ground. While Antonio Caruso has a boxing background, he knows that he cannot match Folayang in the standup, Folayang is just too superior in that department. Antonio Caruso will have to bring the fight to his strength. Antonio Caruso is a multiple-time BJJ champion. Eduard Folayang’s biggest issue has been his ground game. He has come a long way and improved his ground game, takedown defense, and offense. However, he really struggles against top-class BJJ opponents.

This will definitely be a competitive match. Antonio Caruso is dangerous but with Folayang’s experience, the victory leans on him.

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