ONE Lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang masterfully fended off erstwhile undefeated EV Ting of Malaysia, retaining his title during the ONE: Kings of Destiny event staged at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.
The match was explosive from the opening bell with both showing off their mixed martial arts skills. Both managed to keep the action going, each getting in hits using their hands and legs. Folayang somehow managed to counter and get in some of his shots, using his Wushu prowess to fend off the pesky Malaysian.
Tactical match for Eduard Folayang
With most expecting something surreal to happen, nothing close came to that. Eduard Folayang noticeably sneaked a hit or two, particularly with his patented sidekicks and back fists that found their mark.
When the five-round main event for ONE: Kings of Destiny was over, the judges ruled in favor of Folayang, a native of the summer capital of the Philippines (Baguio City). Providing extra motivation for the 33-year-old Folayang was the presence of eight-time division champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao who is reportedly a shareholder for ONE Championship.
“I would like to thank Ev Ting, he really came prepared for this fight. We came to give the fans a good fight, and that’s what we have done,” said Folayang.
Hometown boys also deliver
Folayang did not hog the ONE: Kings of Destiny spotlight. The majority of the fighters for Team Lakay put on a show as well, all coming out victorious. The co-main event saw Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon win over Finnish kickboxer Tony “Dynamite” Tauru. He unloaded a barrage of attacks and won over the taller fighter.
Former ONE Featherweight champion Honorio Banario stopped Jaroslav Jartim after landing a monstrous left hook and knocking out the newcomer. Christian Lee also impressed with his quickness and unorthodox style, winning over Chinese featherweight Wan Jian Ping. Other notable matches include the one involving Danny Kingad and lady striker Gina Iniong.
Kingad hacked out a unanimous decision over Malaysian foe Muhammad Aiman while Iniong debuted in grand fashion with a unanimous decision victory over Filipino-English female fighter Natalie Gonazles Hill.
Filipino fighters Robin Catalan and Jeremy Miado kicked off ONE: Kings of Destiny, rendering an explosive match that prepped the jampacked crowd of what was in store for the evening. The only Filipino who disappointed was Eugene Toquero who bowed to Stefer Rahardian of Indonesia. Other matches for the evening saw Xie Bin, Michelle Nicolini win over Chan Rothana and Irina Mazepa respectively via submission.
