Agilan “Alligator” Thani Eyes Folayang’s Title Match
Kuala Lumpur’s own Agilan “Alligator” Thani is gearing up for a big night on Friday, 23 November, when the Filipino superstar Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang will face Singapore’s Amir Khan (11‑3) for the vacant ONE Lightweight World Championship at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila.
A Long‑Standing Admiration
Thani’s respect for Folayang isn’t new. “I started watching Folayang after his victory over Shinya Aoki,” the 23‑year‑old says. “I love his story and the way he trains. Seeing him eliminate a legend like Aoki makes me want to push harder every day.”
Folayang’s 2016 Triumph
- Defended against Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR (November 2016)
- Stood up to Aoki’s takedowns and turned the tide in the 3rd round
- Land‑Slam: A flying knee followed by relentless ground knees and punches forced referee Yuji Shimada to stop the bout at 41 seconds
- First fighter to beat Aoki since Eddie Alvarez’s win in 2012
From Gold to the Horns
Folayang lost the title a year later but has steadily rebuilt his reputation, earning another shot at the now‑vacant championship. Thani is rooting for him: “It was incredible, and I wish him all the best. I think he can get that belt back.”
ONE Championship: A New Era
Thani credits the rise of fighters like Martin Nguyen and Angela Lee for pushing martial arts into mainstream spotlight. “These moments separate ONE from other promotions,” he notes. “Bouts like Nguyen’s or Folayang’s attract more fighters worldwide and open up a space for Asian talent.”
What Comes Next for Thani?
After the big night, Thani heads back to the cage on Friday, 7 December, at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS, held at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
So, stay tuned—whether it’s the “Landslide” taking the throne or the “Alligator” snapping up the trophy, ONE in the next few weeks is set to be a show packed with grit, heart, and a sprinkle of humor for good measure.
