Folayang takes on undefeated Russian

EDUARD Folayang’s quest to reclaim the ONE Championship lightweight world title gets another test as he takes on undefeated Russian Aziz Pahrudinov.

Folayang, whose record stands at 19-6, will be in the undercard of ONE: Reign of Kings on July 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena to be headlined by fellow Team Lakay Kevin Belingon and Martin Nguyen for the interim bantamweight world championship.

The 34-year-old former champion is fresh from his three-round unanimous decision win against Kharun Atlangeriev in May earlier this after losing the lightweight title in November 2017 on a knock out by Martin Nguyen.

Folayang seemed unfazed by his opponent’s record with an impressive 20-0 slate and vowed to bring his “A” game when he enters the ONE Championship ring.

Pahrudinov has been a regular fixture of several mixed martial arts promotion in and out of Russsia and has yet to taste a defeat in his career since debuting in 2010.

The 29-year-old Russian last saw action in November 2017 with a unanimous decision win against Kenichiro Togashi.

Pahrudinov owns an impressive record of 13 wins by submission and six knock outs with only one fight going the distance.

headlined by Belingon and Nguyen, “Reign of Kings” is expected to be one of the best match-up One Championship has put up according to chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

“It’s a great match-up between two heavy-handed power punchers, and one that will surely leave fans at the edge of their seats,” added Sityodtong.

In addition, two blockbuster bouts have also been announced as rising Thai superstar Shannon Wiratchai makes his way to Manila to face former ONE lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki, while the legendary Renzo Gracie returns to action in his final farewell match to face veteran Yuki Kondo. (Roderick Osis)