After dominating local and regional sanshou (wushu contact fighting) tilts, Eduard Folayang has established himself as the Philippines’ foremost mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, having won numerous major titles in different MMA championships.

The 28-year-old Baguio City pride won his first title, the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) welterweight championship, in 2007 when he defeated compatriot Allan Co, a jiu-jitsu stylist, via technical knockout in Taguig City.

Folayang also grabbed the Martial Combat Superfight lightweight belt by subduing Chinese Bao She Ri Gu Leng via unanimous decision in 2010 in Sentosa, Singapore.

Last year, Folayang successfully defended his URCC Welterweight title as he defeated Brazilian Wadson Teixeria via submission in the URCC Cebu 7: Dominate, held in Cebu in January then bowed to Ole Laursen of Denmark via controversial split decision in the One Fighting Championship: Pride of A Nation in March.

He scored another victory in the One Fighting Championship: Pride of A Nation against Japanese Felipe Enomoto by decision in August before losing to American Lowen Tynanes in the URCC 22: Dekada in December.

Overall, Folayang previously held the URCC Superfight (three times), URCC Welterweight and Martial Combat Superfight titles.

Proud Pinoy
The 28-year-old Folayang is still committed to representing the country in amateur level tourneys including the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar and some future tournaments like the Asian Games and World Championships.

“I’d love to play for our flag especially in the SEA Games comes December,” said Folayang, who won gold in the men’s 70-kilogram of the 2011 SEA Games held in Palembang , Indonesia.

“But the decision regarding that matter [SEA Games participation] still depends on our National Sports Association if they’ll include me in the list again,” he said.

Usually, all gold medalists in the previous edition of the biennial meet are shoo-ins for the next edition of the SEA Games.

The Wushu Federation of the Philippines is expected to name its final roster a few months before the SEA Games with Folayang among the top candidates.

“I also need to check on my [professional] schedule for this year. We’ll just wait and see,” added Folayang.

Besides his gold medal in the SEA Games, Folayang earned a bronze in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan , South Korea and another bronze in the 2005 World Championships in Hanoi, Vietnam before pocketing a silver in 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Vision for sport
“Right now, my training continues to stay fit and healthy for my upcoming fights. This sport has taught me a lot of things—discipline, respect and I want to share my talent and lesson in life to the young ones,” said Folayang.

Folayang, who is eager to share his expertise to emerging fighters has a grand dream for Philippine wushu, “I want to help build a strong foundation for the sport that could lead the way to producing world-class athletes. It seems a tall order but there’s nothing wrong shooting for that high vision,” he concluded.