Eduard Folayang raring to defend ONE title vs Aoki in Tokyo

MANILA, Philippines – ONE lightweight Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang will be facing a familiar foe in Shinya Aoki in his title defense in the main event of the ONE: New Era fight card in Tokyo, Japan onMarch 31.

Folayang, who dethroned Aoki in 2016, is set for a rematch against the Japanese fighter in his homeland.

But defending his title in his opponent's territory doesn't faze the world champion. It seems that Aoki's home court advantage may even serve as a motivation for Folayang.

"We remember before that Japan invaded the Philippines, so we'll also go to invade their place on March 31," Folayang said during the Team Lakay media lunch, Thursday.

Despite their familiarity, Folayang knows that he and Aoki have changed since their first encounter.

"I will be facing a better Shinya, and he will be facing a better Eduard," Folayang said.

Coincidentally, both fighters experienced lows in their career after their 2016 bout.

Aoki's performance faltered after his defeat against Folayang while the Baguio native lost his title to Martin Nguyen the year after.

But with resilience, both fighters were able to make their way back to the top of the ONE Lightweight division.

"Siya (Aoki) talaga pinilit niya umakyat [ulit], and for me pinilit kong ma-regain yung nawala sa akin," Folayang said.

Folayang and Aoki headline a stacked 16-bout fight card in ONE: New Era, ONE Championship's first fight night in history to be held in Japan.