Eduard “Landslide” Folayang Steps Back into the Ring, Kicks Off a New Chapter
Folayang’s comeback was nothing short of a thunderclap in the ancient realm of ONE Championship. After hanging up his belts last November, the Filipino star returned on 18 May at UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS in Singapore, slinging a decisive victory over Russia’s Kharun Atlangeriev.
The Stakes: Belt, Pride, and a Clean Defeat
- Folayang had to fall on his swords for his first loss in over a decade to get back into title contention.
- Atlangeriev, a Sambo legend, had never tasted defeat – until this night.
- The bell rang with cautious energy; no one wanted to leave their guard down.
Round One: Kicks, Feints, and a Little Drama
From the opening bell, “Landslide” unleashed a hard side‑kick to the head that sent the air splashing. The Malayana gloved legend then turned that moment into a trance‑like showcase of strikes and grappling. The crowd could feel the rhythm – each feint a chess move, each kick a statement.
Round Two: Punch, Takedown, Ground Control
With the Argentineed ring still burning, Folayang switched tactics like a DJ between playlists:
- Punches – straight shots that rattled Atlangeriev’s head.
- Every takedown attempt? Bounced off like a bad joke.
- When on top, ground‑and‑pound thundered through. When slipping back, his spinning kicks danced like a midnight circus.
Round Three: The Grand Encore
Folayang’s reputation as a spinning back‑kick maestro finally rewarded him. Those kicks landed straight on Atlangeriev’s mid‑section, turning the round into a lyrical pain‑song. The Russian never won the battle of strikes or takedowns.
Why This Victory Matters
The judges were unanimous, granting Folayang a clean win that lifts his record to 11‑1. He’s now back in the spotlight, ready to rally for the ONE World Lightweight Championship and bring that trophy home to the Philippines. The crowd cheered – and the Nigerian crowd waited; the future looks sparkling with a hero on the comeback trail.
