As Eduard Folayang searches for personal growth and development in the new yet crucial phase of his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, he has garnered a positive report from respected trainer Greg Jackson.
Folayang and his teammate Joshua Pacio flew to the United States last April 3 to spend three weeks training at the famed Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The 48-year-old American coach had nothing but praise for the former two-time ONE lightweight champion, whom he first met and worked with back in 2018.
“Eduard always has that real iron will. He has the will to win, he’s very strong mentally. I’m glad to see that’s still there and that’s still the same. He’s technically improved, obviously, over the last five years, so he’s a much better version of himself than when he was here the last time,” Jackson told Tiebreaker Times.
“I think the big thing that impressed me is that his technique is sharper, and he’s a little bit better than he was five years ago. Just watching the improvement on an overall level, it was very cool to see.”
Jackson, who played a pivotal role in guiding Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre to world title victories in the UFC, commended Folayang for seeking out what’s best for him at this stage of his career.
“I think he’s doing the right thing by making some changes to figure out some new things and getting a different look. I think that’s going to help out a lot,” Jackson expressed.
“Eduard is not just a great athlete, but he’s very sharp, he’s a smart guy. I think he’s playing it the right way by coming to a different place and figuring it all out by getting some inspirational and technical revitalization.”
It can be recalled that Folayang, along with Pacio, Kevin Belingon, and Honorio Banario, made headlines this past March when they publicly confirmed their departures from Team Lakay.
All four shared a common theme in their respective statements—stepping out of their comfort zones.
Folayang’s immediate course of action when he announced his exit was to take a flight to Albuquerque, and it appears he is making the most out of the rare privilege to learn from Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn.
“You should see him here at the gym. Eduard is getting right in there with all of the younger guys and having zero problems. You can say whatever you want, but the proof’s in the pudding,” Jackson shared.
Folayang plans to return to the Circle later this year, setting his sights on ONE Championship’s scheduled events on July 7 and September 1.
However, some fans and experts feel that it’s time for him to consider retirement after dropping his last five fights under MMA rules.
In addition, Folayang will be turning 40 years old this November.
But Jackson believes there are still a few more years of cage action in store for Folayang as a mixed martial artist.
“Eduard is one of those guys that, I think, has another five or six years in him, honestly. He’s aged well. He’s done well. His body is still there, he’s still strong, his reflexes are still sharp, and he can still go all day,” the trainer stated.
