Former two-time ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang is honored to relive his rivalry with Shinya Aoki in what could be their final encounter.
Folayang and Aoki will clash for the fourth time at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Folayang won their first bout, while Aoki took the next two.
Aoki visited Folayang in Baguio City two years ago, where he personally requested a fourth fight.
“It’s an honor to be facing Shinya again for the last time. ‘Yun naman ang reason kung bakit siya umakyat ng Baguio last March 2023, to ask for this fight,” Folayang said in an interview with The MMA Superfan.
“I’m obliged to give him, pero syempre may na-develop na friendship.”
Despite their bond, Folayang knows they must set aside their friendship once they step into the Circle.
“We are professionals. Kailangan naming maging rivals sa Circle, pero hindi naman ‘yun ang magtatapos ng pagkakaibigan namin,” he said.
Folayang believes his experience, combined with his improved ground game, will be key against the grappling specialist.
“Ang maibibigay natin dito, a lot of experience na nakuha natin in the past and new learnings from bagong BJJ coach, si coach Gibran [Langbayan],” he said.
“Ang pinaka-importante dito kung paano ma-implement ang game plan natin, kung ano ang gusto nating gawin sa laban.”
The post Folayang: Shinya requested our fourth showdown first appeared on Fastbreak.
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