Read about Eduard Folayang’s departure from Team Lakay and his journey to form Lions Nation MMA. Discover his plans for the future and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
| Eduard Folayang’s Departure from Team Lakay: A New Era Begins |
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| Eduard Folayang bids farewell to Team Lakay |
| Formation of Lions Nation MMA |
| Training abroad and bringing new insights |
| Embracing uncertainty and leaving a legacy |
| Living in the present and pushing forward |
Eduard Folayang’s Journey Beyond Team Lakay
The Philippine mixed martial arts scene was left stunned when former ONE Lightweight World Champion, Eduard Folayang, announced his departure from Team Lakay last March. This decision marked the end of an era for both Folayang and the Cordillera-based stable. However, Folayang is ready to start a new chapter in his career as he prepares to face familiar opponent Amir Khan at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham on Prime Video.
A Difficult Decision
Folayang’s departure from Team Lakay came after a series of devastating defeats, including a TKO loss to Edson Marques. After a period of self-assessment, the Filipino legend made the difficult choice to leave the team and return to his roots in the mountains of Cordillera. He formed his own stable, Lions Nation MMA , which includes former ONE World Champion teammates Pacio, Belingon, and Banario.
A New Gym, A New Name
With the formation of Lions Nation MMA , Folayang wanted a name that would represent the ferocity and fighting spirit of the new alliance. After a jog with teammate Joshua Pacio, the name Lions Nation was born. The team fights like lions, with the heart and determination to succeed.
Training Abroad and Bringing It Home
During his time in the United States, Folayang had the opportunity to train with renowned coaches and fighters, including Greg Jackson, Mike Winkeljohn, and Cris Cyborg. He experienced a different approach to the sport and gained valuable insights. Despite the changes, Lions Nation MMA settled at the old Team Lakay gym in La Trinidad, bringing a sense of familiarity to their new venture.
Embracing the Uncertainty
At the age of almost 40, Folayang is aware that he is nearing the end of his fighting career. While he still wants to prove himself in the cage, he is also focused on leaving a lasting legacy. Folayang aims to impact and mentor the next generation of fighters, hoping to inspire them to follow in his footsteps and make a difference.
Living in the Present
Folayang’s mindset is centered on the present and what he can still achieve. Despite the doubts surrounding him due to his recent losing streak, he remains focused on the things he can control and continues to push forward. Folayang is determined to make the most of his remaining time in the sport and leave a lasting impact.
