After losing the title six months ago, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang stormed into the Singapore Indoor Stadium and needed to make a statement.
He was able to make that statement with a decisive unanimous decision victory over previously-unbeaten Russian sambo champion Kharun Atlangeriev at ONE: Unstoppable Dreams.
In the opening round, Folayang attacked the Russian with fierce striking, and inflicted heavy ground and pound whenever the action hit the canvas.
Not to be outdone, Atlangeriev powered his way out of a bad position near the end of the first round, before landing a few shots of his own on the former lightweight king.
That brief flurry of offense was about all the sambo expert was able to muster, as Folayang took over as soon as the second round began.
The Team Lakay veteran was methodical with his offense. Folayang chipped away at the Russian’s legs with blistering kicks, and punched with surgical precision. Also, every time Atlangeriev attempted a takedown, “Landslide” sprawled and brawled his way back to the feet.
As time ticked away in the third round, the Filipino hero maintained control by using his signature kicks to keep Atlangeriev at distance. At one point, he even caught the tiring Russian by surprise with a lightning-quick heel kick.
Following three rounds of intense action, Folayang captured a clear-cut unanimous decision victory. Now, he will try to jump back into the title picture for the ONE Lightweight World Championship.
On the other hand, Filipino fighter Roel Rosauro suffered a unanimous decision loss against Indonesian bantamweight Sunoto.
Photos and story from ONEFC.com
