By Jun Ray Navarres
Filipino MMA icon Eduard Folayang dropped his fifth straight fight in a disappointing ONE Manila comeback against Edson Marques, earlier today.
The 39-year-old pillar of Philippine mix martial arts found himself in a difficult spot after suffering a second-round TKO loss against the Brazilian Marques in ONE Fight Night 5 at Mall of Asia Arena – the second stoppage in his last five losses.
Folayang was on the attacking side at the early sound of the bell but could not make any damage to Marques due to the huge reach advantage. Folayang tried to close the gap with various leg kicks but Marques was wary of Folayang’s capabilities.
Meanwhile for the Brazilian, his left jabs and right straights managed to find the target, always waiting for the perfect timing of Folayang’s misses.
An emphatic crowd was backing their MMA hero as he made his comeback fighting in front of them but a left jab by Marques sent Folayang’s head back, silencing the home crowd.
Folayang still could not find his range in the second round especially with the nimble Marques. A kick by Folayang to the groin area of Marques stopped the fight for a short break.
Landslide’s right followed by a front kick pushed Marques to the cage. Folayang then followed with wild punches to which Marques perfectly timed his right, clipping the former’s jaw, dropping him face first to the mat.
The former ONE Lightweight World Champion sees his record drop further to 22-13 while Marques improves to 11-2 including a win against the former division kingpin.
