Eduard Folayang eyes repeat vs Shinya Aoki

Tokyo hosts keenly awaited rematch

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has lost two titles in ONE Championship to start the year – no thanks to the heartbreaking defeats of flyweight Geje Eustaquio and strawweight Joshua Pacio.

Eduard Folayang, another Filipino champ, is determined to hold on to his crown.

Folayang stakes his lightweight title as he squares off with submission legend Shinya Aoki of Japan in their much-anticipated title rematch in ONE: A New Era on March 31 at the Ryogou Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

Folayang stunned the mixed martial arts world when he defeated the once mighty Aoki via a third-round TKO (knees and punches) in ONE: Defending Honor in Sentosa, Singapore two years ago and crowned himself the lightweight king.

The Team Lakay standout lost the crown in a defeat versus Martin Nguyen a year later but regained it by besting Amir Khan early last year.

And a rematch with Aoki is something Folayang has been expecting since then.

“I knew at one point or another, I would face him again. It’s inevitable,” said Folayang.

And Folayang is determined avoid the fates suffered by Eustaquio and Pacio in their recent title defenses.

Eustaquio fell to Brazilian Adriano Moraes in ONE Hero’s Ascent on Jan. 26 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City while Pacio was beaten by Japanese Yosuke Saruta in ONE: Eternal Glory in Jakarta, Indonesia a week before.

Folayang, bantamweight Kevin Belingon and heavyweight Brandon Vera are three remaining Filipino champs in ONE Championship.

“My focus now is winning and trying to set aside negative thoughts,” said Folayang.

While Folayang has further improved on his grappling defense and skills, his objective against Aoki, who is considered the grandmaster of flying submissions, is to avoid sending their fight onto the ground.

“He’s the greatest submission artist in mixed martial arts history,” said Folayang referring to the Japanese nicknamed “Tobikan Judan.” “So as much as possible, I will not give him the opportunity to bring me down to the mat.

“It all boils down on how well I defend myself from his takedowns, knowing how expertly he moves with this sole purpose in mind. Takedown defense is a very important part of my training right now, and I am constantly improving in this area,” he added.