| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eduard Ayangwa Folayang |
| Nickname | The Landslide |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1983 (40 years and 359 days) |
| Born | Sadanga, Mountain Province, CAR, Philippines |
| Height | 5'6" FT / 170 CM |
| Weight | 168.65 LBS / 76.5 KG |
| Weight Class | Lightweight (2009-Present) |
| Division | Welterweight (2007-2009), Lightweight (2009-Present) |
| Reach | 68.5 in (174 cm) |
| Fighting Out Of | Baguio City, Philippines |
| Affiliation | Lions Nation MMA (formerly Team Lakay from 2007-2023) |
| Style | Sanda |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Career Disclosed Earnings | $5,000 USD |
| Married to | Genevieve Aloy (2 children) |
| Current Streak | 1 Win |
| Last Fight | September 29, 2023 |
| Rank | Black belt in Wushu, Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Gibran Langbayan |
| Years Active | 2007-present |
Career Highlights
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| MMA Record | 36 Matches, 23 Wins (7 by Knockout, 2 by Submission, 14 by Decision), 13 Losses |
| Wushu Achievements | Gold Medal at the SEA Games (2003, 2005, 2011) |
| Silver Medal at the Asian Games (2006) | |
| Bronze Medal at the World Wushu Championships (2005) | |
| Bronze Medal at the Asian Games (2002) |
Eduard Ayangwa "The Landslide" Folayang, born November 22, 1983, is a distinguished Filipino mixed martial artist and wushu practitioner from Sadanga, Mountain Province. An Igorot from Baguio City, Folayang is widely regarded as one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time. He has achieved notable success in ONE Championship, where he has won the ONE Lightweight World Championship title twice. Additionally, he is a former URCC Welterweight Champion from his time in Universal Reality Combat Championship.
After training with Team Lakay Wushu from 2007 until March 2023, Folayang founded Lions Nation MMA, where he continues to advance his career and support the development of other fighters. His career highlights include a notable debut victory at Martial Combat in 2010, and his excellence in international wushu competitions, such as winning a gold medal at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games, a silver medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, and bronze medals at the 2005 World Wushu Championship and the 2002 Busan Asian Games. Folayang's achievements reflect his significant influence and enduring legacy in both wushu and mixed martial arts.
Early Life and Education
Eduard Ayangwa Folayang was born on November 22, 1983, in Sadanga, Mountain Province, Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. Growing up in a challenging environment marked by severe poverty, he faced the tragic loss of three sisters and two brothers due to inadequate access to healthcare. Despite these hardships, Folayang's family support and his own determination played a crucial role in his development.
Like many Igorot families, Folayang's unschooled parents understood the value of education and ensured that their surviving children could attend school. Driven by a desire to improve his family's circumstances and alleviate his parents' burden, Folayang pursued wushu with dedication, which earned him a scholarship to study at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City.
His talent in wushu brought him recognition and led to his selection for the Philippine Wushu team. Folayang achieved notable success, winning numerous gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games and other international competitions.
Transitioning to mixed martial arts, he trained under Team Lakay's founder, Mark Sangiao. In his debut fight in June 2007, Folayang won the Filipino Welterweight Championship, marking the beginning of his successful MMA career.
Having risen from a difficult background, Folayang now uses his platform to support charitable causes, including raising funds for the education of underprivileged Filipino children. His Christian faith and commitment to philanthropy reflect his dedication to making a positive impact on his community.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Eduard Folayang's MMA career spans several notable promotions and showcases his resilience and skill in the sport.
URCC and Gorilla Warfare
Folayang made his professional debut in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) on June 30, 2007. In his debut, he faced undefeated welterweight champion Allan Co and won by TKO in the first round, claiming the title. This victory marked the start of his professional career. However, after securing five wins, Folayang experienced his first loss against Jon Tuck at Gorilla Warfare on November 21, 2009, where he was knocked out in just 8 seconds.
Despite his contract with ONE FC, Folayang returned to URCC to fight Brazilian Muay Thai champion Wadson Teixeira on January 13, 2012, winning by submission in the first round. He faced a setback on December 1, 2012, with a loss to Lowen Tynanes by doctor stoppage due to a severe cut.
Martial Combat
In 2010, Folayang entered the Singapore-based promotion Martial Combat. On June 17, he won his debut fight against Slovakian fighter Egon Racz via guillotine choke in the first round. Folayang continued his success with a victory over Mongolian Bao She Ri Gu Leng on July 14, winning by unanimous decision and claiming the Superfight lightweight title. He also defeated South African Muay Thai specialist Vuyisile Colossa by decision on October 16, 2010.
ONE Championship
Folayang's ONE Championship debut was initially scheduled against Muay Thai champion Ole Laursen at ONE FC: Champion vs. Champion on September 3, 2011. Laursen's injury led to Folayang fighting A Sol Kwon, whom he defeated by unanimous decision. A subsequent bout with Laursen on March 31, 2012, ended in a controversial split decision loss for Folayang.
On July 18, 2012, Folayang defeated Felipe Enomoto by unanimous decision, earning a shot at the ONE FC Lightweight Championship. Though he had to withdraw from the title fight due to URCC commitments, he retained his no.1 contender status. He eventually faced Kamal Shalorus at ONE FC 9: Rise to Power on May 31, 2013, but lost by unanimous decision.
Folayang rebounded with wins over Vincent Latoel and former champion Kotetsu Boku. On November 11, 2016, he claimed the ONE Lightweight World Championship by defeating Shinya Aoki via TKO. He successfully defended the title against Ev Ting on April 21, 2017, but lost it to Martin Nguyen on November 10, 2017. Folayang regained the title by defeating Amir Khan on November 23, 2018, but lost it again to Aoki on March 31, 2019.
Post-title Reign
Folayang faced several challenges following his title reign. He lost to Eddie Alvarez at ONE Championship: Dawn of Heroes on August 2, 2019. A technical decision victory against Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu at ONE Championship: Masters Of Fate on November 8, 2019, was followed by losses to Pieter Buist and Antonio Caruso in 2020. He competed in a trilogy match against Shinya Aoki on April 28, 2021, but lost via armbar.
Folayang's fight with Zhang Lipeng on August 13, 2021, ended in a unanimous decision loss. He made his ONE Super Series debut against John Wayne Parr on March 26, 2022, winning by unanimous decision. His most recent bout on December 3, 2022, resulted in a loss to Edson Marques by technical knockout. On September 30, 2023, Folayang achieved a significant victory by defeating Amir Khan via knockout, ending a five-fight losing streak.
Departure from Team Lakay & Lions Nation MMA
On March 10, 2023, Folayang departed from Team Lakay Wushu. On June 24, 2023, he announced the formation of his own team, Lions Nation MMA, alongside former Team Lakay members Kevin Belingon, Joshua Pacio, Stephen Loman, and Honorio Banario.
Major Achievements and Career Highlights
Eduard Folayang's career is distinguished by several major accomplishments and notable victories that have solidified his place as one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time.
Significant Matches
- URCC Welterweight Championship: Folayang won the URCC Welterweight title on June 30, 2007, by defeating Allan Co via TKO. He successfully defended this title three times.
- Martial Combat Superfight Lightweight Championship: On July 14, 2010, Folayang won the Superfight Lightweight title in Martial Combat by defeating Bao She Ri Gu Leng via unanimous decision.
- ONE Championship Success: Folayang captured the ONE Lightweight World Championship on November 11, 2016, by defeating Shinya Aoki via TKO. He defended this title once against Ev Ting on April 21, 2017, before losing it to Martin Nguyen. Folayang regained the title by defeating Amir Khan on November 23, 2018. He holds the record for the most fights in ONE Championship, with 23, and has earned three "Fight of the Night" awards for bouts against A Sol Kwon, Ole Laursen, and Ev Ting.
Wushu Achievements
- Asian Games: Bronze medal in 2002 and Silver medal in 2006.
- World Wushu Championships: Bronze medal in 2005.
- Southeast Asian Games: Gold medals in 2003, 2005, and 2011.
Influence and Recognition
- Pound for Pound Ranking: Folayang has been recognized as the #1 Pound for Pound MMA fighter in the Philippines.
- Greatest Filipino Athletes: He is considered one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time due to his significant contributions to both MMA and wushu, inspiring countless fans and athletes in the Philippines and beyond.
Professional Record Breakdown
Eduard Folayang has achieved a notable record in mixed martial arts. The following table summarizes his career statistics, including total matches, wins, losses, and the breakdown by knockout, submission, and decision.
Wushu Medal Record
| Event | Year | Medal | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Wushu Championships | 2005 | Bronze | 70kg |
| Asian Games | 2006 | Silver | 70kg |
| Asian Games | 2002 | Bronze | 65kg |
| SEA Games | 2003 | Gold | 70kg |
| SEA Games | 2005 | Gold | 70kg |
| SEA Games | 2011 | Gold | 70kg |
Mixed Martial Arts Record
| Total Matches | Wins | Losses | Knockouts (Wins) | Knockouts (Losses) | Submissions (Wins) | Submissions (Losses) | Decisions (Wins) | Decisions (Losses) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 23 | 13 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 5 |
Fight Record
This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of Eduard Folayang's professional MMA fight record, including outcomes, opponents, events, methods, and additional details of each bout.
| Result | Fighter | Event | Method/Referee | R | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| win | Amir Khan | One Championship - One on Prime Video 14: Stamp vs. Ham - Sep / 29 / 2023 | KO (Punch) - Herb Dean | 3 | 1:57 |
| loss | Edson Marques | One Championship - One on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin - Dec / 02 / 2022 | TKO (Punches) - Olivier Coste | 2 | 2:53 |
| loss | Lipeng Zhang | One Championship - Battleground 2 - Jul / 30 / 2021 | Decision (Unanimous) - Olivier Coste | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Shinya Aoki | One Championship - One on TNT 4 - Apr / 28 / 2021 | Submission (Armbar) - Mohamad Sulaiman | 1 | 4:20 |
| loss | Antonio Caruso | One Championship - Inside the Matrix - Oct / 30 / 2020 | Decision (Unanimous) - Justin Brown | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Pieter Buist | One Championship - Fire and Fury - Jan / 31 / 2020 | Decision (Split) - Kemp Cheng | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Tsogookhuu Amarsanaa | One Championship - Masters of Fate - Nov / 08 / 2019 | Technical Decision (Unanimous) - Kemp Cheng | 2 | 2:31 |
| loss | Eddie Alvarez | One Championship - Dawn of Heroes - Aug / 02 / 2019 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Olivier Coste | 1 | 2:16 |
| loss | Shinya Aoki | One Championship - A New Era - Mar / 31 / 2019 | Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) - Olivier Coste | 1 | 2:34 |
| win | Amir Khan | One Championship - Conquest of Champions - Nov / 23 / 2018 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 5 | 5:00 |
| win | Aziz Pahrudinov | One Championship - Reign of Kings - Jul / 27 / 2018 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Kharun Atlangeriev | One Championship - Unstoppable Dreams - May / 18 / 2018 | Decision (Unanimous) - Olivier Coste | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Martin Nguyen | One Championship - Legends of the World - Nov / 10 / 2017 | KO (Punch) - Olivier Coste | 2 | 2:20 |
| win | Ev Ting | One Championship - Kings of Destiny - Apr / 21 / 2017 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 5 | 5:00 |
| win | Shinya Aoki | One Championship - Defending Honor - Nov / 11 / 2016 | TKO (Knees and Punches) - Yuji Shimada | 3 | 0:41 |
| win | Adrian Pang | One Championship 45 - Heroes of the World - Aug / 13 / 2016 | Decision (Unanimous) - Olivier Coste | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Tetsuya Yamada | One Championship 38 - Clash of Heroes - Jan / 29 / 2016 | Decision (Unanimous) - Joey Lepiten | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Timofey Nastyukhin | One FC 23 - Warrior's Way - Dec / 05 / 2014 | KO (Flying Knee and Soccer Kicks) - Yuji Shimada | 1 | 3:11 |
| win | Kotetsu Boku | One FC 15 - Rise of Heroes - May / 02 / 2014 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Vincent Latoel | One FC 13 - Moment of Truth - Dec / 06 / 2013 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Kamal Shalorus | One FC 9 - Rise to Power - May / 31 / 2013 | Decision (Unanimous) - Yuji Shimada | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Lowen Tynanes | URCC 22 - Dekada - Dec / 01 / 2012 | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | 1 | 6:22 |
| win | Felipe Enomoto | One FC 5 - Pride of a Nation - Aug / 31 / 2012 | Decision (Unanimous) - Moritaka Oshiro | 3 | 5:00 |
| loss | Ole Laursen | One FC 3 - War of the Lions - Mar / 31 / 2012 | Decision (Split) - Matt Hume | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Wadson Teixeira | URCC Cebu 7 - Dominate - Jan / 13 / 2012 | TKO (Submission to Elbows) | 1 | 0:56 |
| win | A-Sol Kwon | One FC - Champion vs. Champion - Sep / 03 / 2011 | Decision (Unanimous) - Matt Hume | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Vuyisile Colossa | MC - Martial Combat 12 - Oct / 16 / 2010 | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| win | Sheri Guleng Bao | MC - Martial Combat 5 - Jul / 14 / 2010 | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| win | Egon Racz | MC - Martial Combat 4 - Jun / 17 / 2010 | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 | 4:40 |
| win | Doo Jae Jung | URCC 16 - Reckoning - Mar / 27 / 2010 | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 3:15 |
| loss | Jon Tuck | Gorilla Warfare 3 - Confrontation - Nov / 21 / 2009 | KO (Punches) - Tony D\'Angelo | 1 | 0:08 |
| win | A.J. Aguon | URCC 14 - Aggression - Jul / 18 / 2009 | Decision (Unanimous) | 2 | 10:00 |
| win | Jerome Norita | Gorilla Warfare 2 - Battle Ready - Mar / 28 / 2009 | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 0:52 |
| win | Jerry Legaspi | URCC 13 - Indestructible - Nov / 22 / 2008 | TKO (Punches and Kicks to the Body) | 1 | 0:15 |
| win | Caloy Baduria | URCC 12 - Supremacy - Jul / 05 / 2008 | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 3:41 |
| win | Allan Co | URCC 10 - X - Jun / 30 / 2007 | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 7:24 |
Professional Muay Thai Record
Eduard Folayang has a professional Muay Thai record with a notable victory. His transition into Muay Thai from mixed martial arts highlights his striking proficiency and adaptability.
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-26 | Win | John Wayne Parr | ONE: X | Kallang, Singapore | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 |
Record Summary:
- 1 Win (0 KOs), 0 Losses, 0 Draws
Challenges and Resilience
Eduard Folayang's career exemplifies resilience and determination, with his ability to overcome significant setbacks contributing to his legendary status in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Career Setbacks
Folayang faced several major challenges throughout his career. One of his earliest setbacks occurred on November 21, 2009, when he was knocked out by Jon Tuck in just 8 seconds during a fight in the Gorilla Warfare promotion. Another significant challenge came on December 5, 2014, when he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Timofey Nastyukhin at ONE FC 23: Warrior's Way.
Further adversity followed his successful title reigns, with losses to Shinya Aoki in a rematch on March 31, 2019, and subsequent defeats by Eddie Alvarez and other competitors.
Overcoming Adversity
Folayang's resilience shone through as he navigated these setbacks. After the knockout loss to Nastyukhin, he rebounded by reclaiming the ONE Lightweight World Championship with a decisive win over Amir Khan in November 2018. Demonstrating his enduring strength, he broke a five-fight losing streak with a knockout victory over Amir Khan in September 2023. Folayang's ability to overcome these challenges and continue to compete at a high level has solidified his status as a legendary figure in MMA.
Personal Life and Legacy
Personal Details
Eduard Folayang's personal life reflects his values and interests beyond mixed martial arts. Born in Sadanga, Mountain Province, Philippines, Folayang comes from an Igorot family that valued education despite facing significant hardships. His family's struggle with poverty and the loss of five siblings due to lack of healthcare deeply influenced him. A devout Christian, Folayang has used his platform to support various charities, particularly those focused on education for underprivileged Filipino children. His hobbies include promoting physical fitness and engaging in community activities.
Family
Eduard met his wife, Genevieve Aloy, at the gym. The couple married in April 2015 at the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Baguio. They are blessed with two daughters: Yeshuareigns and Yahamaziach.
Legacy and Impact
Folayang's impact on MMA extends beyond his achievements in the ring. His career has inspired many aspiring athletes in the Philippines, demonstrating the possibilities within the sport despite challenging circumstances. As a two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion and a pioneer in Filipino MMA, Folayang has played a key role in elevating the sport's profile in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. His success has contributed to the growth of MMA in the region, showcasing the potential of Filipino athletes on the global stage.
Conclusion
Eduard Folayang's career stands as a testament to resilience and excellence in mixed martial arts. With multiple championships, significant victories, and a profound influence on Filipino MMA, he has solidified his place as a sports icon. His journey from a challenging upbringing to global recognition not only highlights his athletic prowess but also his dedication to philanthropy and community impact. Folayang's legacy continues to inspire the next generation of fighters and exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and greatness in the sport.
FAQ
1. Who is Eduard Folayang?
Eduard Folayang is a Filipino mixed martial artist and former two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion, known for his contributions to MMA in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. He has also won multiple medals in Wushu, including at the SEA Games and Asian Games.
2. What is Eduard Folayang's fighting style?
Eduard Folayang's fighting style primarily revolves around Sanda, a Chinese martial art that combines elements of Kung Fu and kickboxing. He is also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has a blue belt under Gibran Langbayan.
3. What is Eduard Folayang's professional MMA record?
As of his last fight on September 29, 2023, Eduard Folayang has a professional MMA record of 36 matches, with 23 wins (7 by knockout, 2 by submission, and 14 by decision) and 13 losses.
4. Which teams has Eduard Folayang been affiliated with?
Eduard Folayang was affiliated with Team Lakay from 2007 to 2023. After leaving Team Lakay, he founded Lions Nation MMA, where he currently trains.
5. What are Eduard Folayang's notable achievements in Wushu?
Eduard Folayang has won multiple medals in Wushu, including three gold medals at the SEA Games (2003, 2005, 2011), a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games, and bronze medals at the 2002 Asian Games and the 2005 World Wushu Championships.
6. Where was Eduard Folayang born?
Eduard Folayang was born in Sadanga, Mountain Province, in the Philippines. He comes from an Igorot family and has used his platform to give back to his community.
7. Is Eduard Folayang married?
Yes, Eduard Folayang is married to Genevieve Aloy. The couple met at the gym and married in April 2015. They have two daughters, Yeshuareigns and Yahamaziach.
8. What is the legacy of Eduard Folayang in Filipino MMA?
Eduard Folayang's legacy in Filipino MMA is significant as he has inspired many young athletes and elevated the sport's profile in the Philippines. His success as a two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion has contributed to the growth of MMA in Southeast Asia.
9. How did Eduard Folayang start his MMA career?
Eduard Folayang transitioned from a successful Wushu career to MMA in 2007. He made a name for himself in the sport by competing in various promotions, ultimately becoming a two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion.
10. Is Eduard Folayang still alive?
Yes, Eduard Folayang is still alive and continues to be active in the world of mixed martial arts. He currently trains at Lions Nation MMA, the gym he founded in 2023.
