Folayang urged to go back to drawing board than seek immediate Nguyen rematch

MANILA, Philippines — Despite rooting for Eduard Folayang in the Team Lakay’s skipper’s title defense against Martin Nguyen, Chatri Sityodtong believes the Filipino fighter has to go back to the drawing board.

Meaning, no rematch on the horizon for the Baguio City native.

"I think Eduard has to get back on the drawing board. He has to get a couple of wins under his belt (for us) to consider [a rematch],” ONE Championship's top honcho said. 

“It’s because of the way the fight ended,” he explained. “If it was a five-round war or was a decision, that I could say, you could say a rematch is served. But in this case, it was a clear win (by Martin).”

Folayang, who was able to defend his title earlier this year before a hometown crowd, got knocked out by an overhand right just as he was about to unleash a kick.

“I think Martin knocking out Eduard was the most shocking to me,” the executive said. “I actually had Eduard as a favorite. As I’ve said, Eduard has a more diverse striking skill set.”

“But Martin hit him with a big overhand right. KMA (Martin’s gym) — they really had a strategy. They always come up with amazing combinations, drills, to find weaknesses in their opponents. So you know, much hat-off to them,” he continued.

Folayang’s record fell to 18-6-0 after the fight. But despite losing the title, he remains optimistic he could bounce back.

And Sityodtong is sharing that very same sentiment.

"You know, I really believe in Eduard. Not only as a martial artist but also as a human being. So, let's see what he does, and I really believe—he has the Igorot warrior pride in him. He’s a warrior, he’s a Filipino born and bred real warrior,” the MMA mogul and former fighter said.

"Look, we all lose in life. All of us. we fall down but it’s the warriors who go down and go back up and try again. I expect Eduard to shine again,” he declared. "Let him rest, let him recuperate. But I will not count him out. He has everything. He has the skills, he has the character, he has the courage, he has the experience.” 

"He’ll be back,” Sityodtong said.