As long-time teammates, Eduard Folayang is one of Joshua Pacio’s staunchest supporters as he now chases two-division glory in ONE Championship.
Count on Eduard Folayang to be Joshua Pacio’s biggest supporter as the latter chases history to become the first-ever Filipino two-division MMA champion in ONE Championship, targeting Yuya Wakamatsu’s flyweight belt.
A former champion himself in the lightweight division, Folayang spoke highly about his teammate and the impact it will have on Filipino MMA should Pacio win a second belt.
After being one of the torchbearers in the early days of Philippine dominance in ONE Championship, Pacio’s latest bid is considered by Folayang as something that will trigger waves among the new generation of fighters.
[READ: Joshua Pacio acknowledges ‘tough challenge’ in chasing two-division supremacy in ONE Championship]
“I'm really proud and excited for Joshua. Seeing him in this position is inspiring, not just for me but for every Filipino fighter. We've walked this journey together for many years, and I know how much hard work and sacrifice he's put in,” said Folayang.
“To have the chance to make history for the Philippines is something special, and I'm confident he will make our country proud,” he added.
Not only was Folayang witness to Pacio’s growth during his time with Team Lakay, "Landslide" has remained a teammate to his fellow Baguio native, working together in Lions Nation MMA — a group made up of former Lakay products.
Having helped Pacio return from an ACL injury to regain his ONE strawweight glory against Jarred Brooks in February, Folayang believes that he has more than what it takes to snatch Wakamatsu’s belt.
“Joshua has always been a student of the game. He's disciplined, humble, and willing to push himself beyond his limits. His fight IQ is very high, and he knows how to adapt inside the circle,” said Folayang.
“But more than that, his heart is unmatched. He fights not just for himself, but for the people who believe in him, for the Philippines, and ultimately for the glory of God. That's what makes him dangerous and capable of achieving something this big.”
Pacio will be vying for Wakamatsu’s crown in Japan at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri on November 16.
With Folayang being one of the earliest Filipino trailblazers at ONE, he knows that a victory for Pacio will not only mean individual glory, but rather push the second wind of Philippine MMA brilliance.
"If Joshua wins this fight, it will be a proud moment for all Filipinos. It will show the world that we have the talent, heart, and determination to be among the best in the sport," Folayang said.
"For the next generation of fighters, it will serve as a reminder that with hard work, discipline, and faith in God, dreams that once seemed impossible can be achieved,” he added.
Also fighting in Pacio’s card is another Filipino MMA champion in Denice Zamboanga as she defends her ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship against another home bet in Japan’s Ayaka Miura.