Eduard Folayang meets with GAB chairman Clarin

Former ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang has received a vote of confidence from the new Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Richard Clarin before he headed to the United States for training.

The 39-year-old Folayang paid a visit to the GAB office in Makati last March 22 heeding a courtesy call from Atty. Clarin. In their conversation, the face of Philippine mixed martial arts Folayang was told of MMA’s future under the new GAB leadership.

“I felt how welcoming GAB is, which signifies a good sign for all pro athletes. We were also assured by the chairman himself that he would listen to our concerns and safeguard our welfare. In fact, they even said that GAB’s function doesn't stop at handing out licenses,” Folayang said.

“I appreciate Chairman Clarin because you really feel his effort to know more about the sport. I believe he is taking a proactive approach since he's looking into the needs of MMA at all levels. This is encouraging for the MMA community in the country.”

Folayang shook the landscape of Philippine MMA last month when he announced his departure from his longtime stable Team Lakay. Shortly after his announcement, his ex-world champ teammates Honorio Banario, Kevin Belingon, and Joshua Pacio also announced their departures.

“The fact that there are people like Chairman Clarin, who have opened doors and do not have second thoughts to listen to us, is heartwarming. He wants to remind us of our rights as professional athletes,” Folayang stated.

“This development gives me a good reason to move forward, given that I am in a new phase of my career. Coming straight from him that he has my back, that's enough for me to keep working even better.”

—JM Siasat/JMB, GMA Integrated News