Folayang, Alvarez all set for ‘Dawn of Heroes’

EDUARD Folayang and Eddie Alvarez are ready to slug it in the main card of ONE Championship with both fighters giving high regards to their opponent.

Folayang and Alvarez are part of the stacked fight card by ONE this Friday, August 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena headlined by featherweight world champion Martin Nguyen stood defending his title against Koyomi Matsushima.

The event will also feature ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty against opponent Rodtang Jitmuangnon including mixed martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson, among other ONE athletes competing on the card.

“He’s one of those athletes that I spent a lot of time watching before. He says this isn’t the right time, but I believe it’s God’s time. It’s a huge honor for me to be able to test my skills against him,” Folayang said.

Folayang is looking forward to facing the toughest opponent inside the ONE circle adding his preparation against another former world champion has been one of the best so far.

My preparations have gone well. I lost my belt last March. That chapter of my career has closed. It’s time to write another chapter of my journey,” Folayang quipped.

After losing the world lightweight title in their rematch against Shinya Aoki in March this year, Folayang said he has gone the extra mile to train harder as he sets his sight on recapturing the belt again despite a tough opponent against Alvarez.

Alvarez meanwhile is also seeking to bounce back after getting KO’d in his debut.

Although Alvarez said he has high regards for Folayang, not only as a fighter but as a respected member of the community.

“I respect Eduard [Folayang]. I respect everything he’s done not just as a fighter, but also as a human being for his community. This is what this sport is all about. It’s beyond what goes on in the Circle,” he said.

While he admits he is an underdog when they see action in front of a pro – Folayang crowd, he vowed to impress the crowd with a huge victory.

“Thank you Manila. I rarely come as a nemesis to a country. Usually, I’m the guy holding the belt. It’s unusual for me to be the bad guy, but I promise you if I’m the bad guy, I will not disappoint,” added Alvarez.