Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang exorcised the ghost of his past loss in Manila with a decisive unanimous decision win over previously-unbeaten Russian Aziz Pakhrudinov last July 27.
And with it, the 33-year-old Baguio native has regained his confidence.
Folayang, who is 20-6 in his prize fighting career, absolutely battered Pakhrudinov during their bout during Reign of Kings. His win was as decisive as his bounce-back victory against Kharun Atlangeriev, another previously-undefeated Russian, during Unstoppable Dreams.
Now, the king is ready to continue his dream of getting the lightweight championship back on his waist.
“There is one thing on my mind, and that is getting the lightweight title back. That is my main goal,” he told ONEFC.com.
“I will take care of anyone blocking my path to the title. That is what we are working so hard for.”
Even in the midst of a two-fight winning streak, the grizzled veteran knows that he has to take down a contender. Some of the contenders include Shinya Aoki (41-8, 1NC), whom he defeated last June of 2016 to win the crown, or Timofey Nasthyukin (12-3), whom he lost to back in December of 2014.
“As a fighter, I am willing to face anyone I am in the cage with,” Folayang declared.
“Shinya did a great job in dealing with Shannon, and I would definitely be in for a rematch. Timofey is still running strong like a freight train, but I would be open to that rematch as well.”
But if Folayang had his way, he would have another crack at reigning lightweight kingpin Martin Nguyen.
“I think the fans are only interested in one rematch, and that is with me and the champion,” he asserted.
“They want me to fight Martin [Nguyen] again, and get my title back.”
