Folayang eager to bounce back after disappointing loss to Marques

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) legend Eduard Folayang is still not done and is calling for a rematch against Edson Marques after suffering a second-round stoppage during the recently concluded ONE Fight Night held in the Philippines.

According to Folayang and his camp, they were not satisfied with the match referee’s decision of calling the fight the moment the Team Lakay standout got knocked down.

Marques landed a devastating right hook counter with 2:10 remaining in the second round that sent Folayang down to the canvass.

Seconds after Folayang kneeled to the ground, the match referee immediately ran towards Marques, pushed him away, and waved his right hand to officially declare the technical knockout loss.

Folayang got stunned by the referee’s decision and was speechless for almost a minute, staring at the opposite side of the cage in disbelief.

“I know the feeling of getting knocked out. I wanted to have a good outcome but it did not go my way. I want a rematch because I am not satisfied with the result and the stoppage. I have been there. I felt what was like to be knocked out,” Folayang said.

Folayang was doing during the first round and was showcasing a couple of his new offensive arsenal including a more consistent leg kick and a busier left straight counter.

However, the turn of events midway through the second round saw Folayang’s professional record dip to five-straight losses and is yet to regain his top form in the division he once ruled.

Folayang’s last victory came three years ago against Tsogookhuu Amarsanaa during the ONE: Masters of Fate edition.

Several months ago, Folayang already shut retirement rumors after expressing his desire to stay with ONE FC and regain his belt in the lightweight division.

“People are entitled to their opinion. When people have nothing to do they want you to join them. I love what I am doing, I love this sport and it is me who can tell if I can still do it or not. I will not be derailed about what they say because they are entitled to their opinion,” Folayang added.