Folayang back in training, aims to get title back in 2018

Eduard Folayang prepares to regain title in 2018. PHOTO BY ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang of Baguio City's Team Lakay is back to his daily grind at the gym following his shock defeat at the hands of Martin Nguyen last November at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Folayang, 33, was deemed as the favorite in his second title defense against Nguyen but it only took one right hand in the second round to end his title reign.

Folayang, who is touted as the face of Philippine MMA, is back in training a month after that fateful night.

"Training is well. We have a more motivated atmosphere and the will to come back is there. I think I will be more than ready [to fight again] in the first quarter of 2018," Folayang told GMA News Online.

Folayang also shrugged of some critics who are suggesting that he should call it a day in the world of mixed martial arts.

The plan, according to the Filipino, is to get back to his winning ways, become a world champion again and reign much longer.

"All is well, it's a natural reaction [that they want me to retire] because they are frustrated with the result of my last fight," said Folayang while quoting a verse from the bible (Philippians 1:6) as his source of motivation. "The goal is to redeem myself, get back what I lost then defend it for a much longer time." — BAP, GMA News