Eduard Folayang Expects John Wayne Parr To Turn Back Time At ONE X

As he approaches the first crossover bout of his prizefighting career, Filipino mixed martial artist Eduard Folayang proves that complacency is a non-existing word in his vocabulary.

Folayang, who was a multi-medal winner in the Chinese full-contact combat sport of wushu sanda before becoming a two-time world champion in MMA, will get a chance to return to his striking roots by squaring off with Australian legend John Wayne Parr under Muay Thai rules at the much-awaited ONE X on Saturday, March 26.

"I'm relishing the opportunity to do this again and showcase my full skills in the stand-up," Folayang told International Business Times sports editor and combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano.

"I am looking forward to it because I am facing a respected legend in Muay Thai and kickboxing. He's not the type of opponent to be taken lightly, he's the real deal. That motivates me to do my best."

Before "The Landslide" became known as the face of the Philippine MMA scene, he represented the country as a national athlete in various regional and international competitions.

Folayang won the Southeast Asian Games gold medal on three occasions and also took home bronze at the 2005 World Wushu Championships in Hanoi, Vietnam.

While the 38-year-old native of Baguio City, Philippines feels a mix of excitement, pressure, and nostalgia with the opportunity to stand and bang, his opponent seeks to experience the thrill of triumph for the very last time.

Parr needs no introduction in the combat sports world as the 45-year-old veteran has spent nearly three decades battling the best of the best from both kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Furthermore, Parr has held multiple titles in different weight classes, amassing a record of 99-34 with 46 victories by way of knockout.

"The Gunslinger" was also the runner-up in the hit reality television show entitled “The Contender Asia,” which aired in 2008.

Parr made his promotional debut under ONE Championship in April 2021, suffering a second-round knockout loss at the hands of Nieky Holzken.

In the wake of the excruciating defeat, many were convinced that Father Time has finally caught up with Parr.

To formally wrap up his illustrious run, Parr agreed to duke it out with Folayang at ONE Championship's 10th-anniversary extravaganza.

Knowing that it will be Parr's swan song, Folayang has prepared for all possible scenarios that could happen during the clash.

"For me, everyone is dangerous, especially if martial arts has already become their way of life," the Filipino stressed. "What's important is how they prepare for the battle ahead."

"Many martial artists look up to 'JWP' for a good number of reasons. Deep inside, he's still the John Wayne Parr that many idolized. It's still there, I believe. That's why I need to know and discover the possible dangers that could manifest in the fight."

Although there is a sizable gap between him and Parr in terms of Muay Thai experience, the former ONE lightweight titleholder is confident that he could hang with the Australian kickboxing icon from start to finish.

"I've been active for the last three years or so, competing at the highest level, and that could play a good factor on my performance," Folayang said.

Folayang has dropped his last four MMA assignments and has not won a fight since his technical decision win over Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu in November 2019.

The Team Lakay captain may be facing a great deal of risk by taking on Parr in his own sport, but he is focused on the dividends that he could reap from it.

"A victory in this fight will send out a strong message and it will suggest a lot of things. That's what I am after," Folayang stated.