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MMA: Former opponent admits it will be difficult to beat ‘new Folayang’

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/sports/02/05/folayang-020417.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Eduard Folayang and Kamal Shalorus shown here during their fight in 2013. Handout photo</div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA — Iran’s Kamal “Prince of Persia” Shalorus hopes he gets the chance to fight Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang again, this time for the ONE Championship lightweight title.Shalorus, who will take on Malaysian-Kiwi standout Ev Ting in the main event of ONE: Throne of Tigers next week, said a lot has changed since he first fought Folayang.“The division had a major facelift. There are more talented fighters in the division right now. Aside from all of that, lightweight has a new champion,” he said.“Eduard and I had a history. We fought before in ONE Championship. I hope we can meet again, but this time it’s for the title.”Both men squared off in May 2013. Shalorus utilized his wrestling background efficiently against Folayang, coming out as the victor by unanimous decision.But Folayang eventually reinvented himself by transitioning from a pure striker to an all-around MMA fighter. This enabled him to beat Shinya Aoki to win the lightweight crown in November. “Eduard has improved greatly. He has now a good takedown defense and has exhibited good control on the mat. He is more of a complete fighter,” Shalorus said.The Iranian said that beating Ting will be the first step in securing a rematch with Folayang.Shalorus admitted that it will be difficult to beat the new Folayang, although he remains confident that he can squeeze out a win.“I believe it will be more difficult because he has showed improvement. Eduard has now a good ground game and more intelligent. But I know I can still win against him,” he said.Upon learning of Shalorus&#x27; statement, Folayang said he would welcome the challenge.&quot;The Landslide&quot; is due to return to the cage this coming April, most likely against the winner between Shalorus and Ting.&quot;Sa akin, ready naman ako. Maganda rin kung siya ang makakalaban ko,&quot; said Folayang.&quot;Pero kailangan ma-pass n&#x27;ya muna ang test nya with Ev Ting.&quot;For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Iran’s Kamal “Prince of Persia” Shalorus hopes he gets the chance to fight Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang again, this time for the ONE Championship lightweight title.

Iran’s Kamal “Prince of Persia” Shalorus hopes he gets the chance to fight Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang again, this time for the ONE Championship lightweight title.