Preview: One Championship ‘Reign of Kings’

Lightweights
Eduard Folayang (19-6) vs. Aziz Pahrudinov (20-0-1)

Former lightweight champion Folayang’s last bout in Manila ended in a KO loss to Martin Nguyen. The 34-year-old Team Lakay veteran will not want to experience a repeat of that night when he takes on Russia’s Pahrudinov. In many ways, this fight appears similar to Folayang’s last bout in May where he defeated Russian Kharun Atlangeriev, an undefeated grappler from the Caucasus, via unanimous decision.

Folayang was in fine form that night and put his full attacking arsenal on display before an appreciative crowd. Despite his best efforts, Atlangeriev was unable to take the fight to the mat. Folayang’s sturdy build combined with his solid takedown defense means he can easily frustrate opponents whose game relies solely on their submission skills. Folayang may have six losses in his career, but none have been by submission.

Pahrudinov is a Sambo World Champion whose last competitive fight took place in Japan at Pancrase 291. The 29 year-old Russian who hails from Dagestan defeated Japan’s Kenichiro Togashi via unanimous decision. Pahrudinov dominated the fight through his grappling but whether he can do that against an opponent as tough and resourceful as Folayang remains to be seen. If he does manage to take home the victory, it will instantly propel him into the upper echelon of One Championship’s lightweight division.

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