Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez expects no less than the best that the East has to offer when he takes on Filipino hero Eduard “Landslide” Folayang.
Alvarez’ quest for continuous greatness led him to Folayang, forging one of the most anticipated match-ups in The Home Of Martial Arts.
“I’m excited. This match-up in particular, I feel like this guy is such a hard-nosed, tough fighter. This could be a fight of the year,” said Alvarez in an interview with BJ Penn Radio.
“This is going to be the ultimate one, the Thrilla in Manila. Going to the Philippines, fighting the Filipino king in Eduard Folayang, taking another head, taking another skull.”
For Alvarez, he’s not coming to Manila to get a lackluster victory. The multi-time World Champion plans to go for the jugular.
“It’s in his hometown, so I’m looking forward to a tough opponent and I’m viewing the fight as one that I absolutely have to finish,” shared Alvarez.
“I am not coming in for a decision – I expect to lose if it goes to decision. I have every intention to finish.”
Alvarez will certainly be coming in hungry, since he’s out to make up for a forgettable debut at ONE: A New Era.
Alvarez fell victim to Timofey Nastyukhin’s dangerous strikes, dropping out of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix in the quarterfinals.
But regardless of the situation, Folayang is still taking all precautions against the battle-tested Baguio-native.
“I still consider him as a legend in this sport,” said Folayang.
“His debut might be far from ideal, but he’s done so much in this sport, and that’s why I still look at him as a legend,” he added.
“He has an amazing resume. He’s a former UFC and Bellator World Champion.”
With both warriors eager to stamp their class in the loaded lightweight division, expect no less than a classic when they stand across the Circle.
“The stakes are really high for this one. I have time and I’ll make sure to come in prepared for Eddie Alvarez,” said Folayang.
“You never know when an opportunity like this will come again for me.”
Alvarez echoed the same sentiments.
“I never want an easy fight. My only desire is for the ONE Championship title. This guy’s held it not once, but twice already.”
