The Filipino standout linked arms with the Singapore-based company in 2012 and has spent the better part of a decade as one of its most consistent and dependable performers. The two-time One Championship lightweight titleholder owns wins over Shinya Aoki, A-Sol Kwon, Kotetsu Boku, Ev Ting, Amir Khan and a host of other contemporaries. Now approaching his 38th birthday, Folayang finds himself on a career-worst four-fight losing streak as he stands at a crossroads. He last appeared at One Championship Battleground 2, where he lost a unanimous decision to “The Ultimate Fighter China” winner Lipeng Zhang.
As Folayang awaits word on his next assignment, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. He was an immediate success.
Folayang struck gold in his professional mixed martial arts debut, as he captured the Universal Reality Combat Championship welterweight crown with a first-round technical knockout of Allan Co on June 30, 2007 in Taguig City, Philippines. He has since claimed titles in the Martial Combat and One Championship organizations.
2. A quick start fueled his ambition.
“Landslide” raced out to an 11-1 start through his first 12 appearances. His only setback? An eight-second knockout loss to Jon Tuck under the Gorilla Warfare MMA banner in 2009. Nevertheless, Folayang’s efforts drew the attention and admiration of One Championship brass.
3. Loyalty has become a virtue.
Folayang has spent more than half of his 34-fight career in One Championship, having gone to the post 22 times for the Singapore-based promotion. He owns a 12-10 record with the company.
4. He took a road less traveled.
The Lakay MMA rep remains one of only six fighters in One Championship history who have captured a divisional title on multiple occasions. Aoki, Adriano Moraes, Joshua Pacio and Yoshitaka Naito are the others. Folayang held the lightweight championship from Nov. 11, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2017 and again from Nov. 23, 2018 to March 31, 2019.
5. Lightning strikes are part of his arsenal.
Folayang has never been regarded as an explosive offensive competitor, as he has reached the judges 19 times as a pro. However, he does have three sub-minute finishes to his credit. Folayang put away Jerry Legaspi with punches and kicks to the body in 15 seconds at URCC 13 on Nov. 22, 2008, cut down Jerome Norita with punches in 52 seconds a Gorilla Warfare 2 on March 28, 2009 and elbowed Wadson Teixeira into submission in 56 seconds at URCC Cebu 7 on Jan. 13, 2012.