2012 World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report - #6 - Eduard Folayang

Photo by Anton Tabuena
Name:	Eduard Folayang
Nickname:	Landslide
Age:	27
Height:	5'9"
Location:	Baguio City, Philippines

For the last few years, the Philippines has been consistently muttered by Zuffa officials as an eventual international destination for the UFC. It makes perfect sense considering its significance in boxing's history and the love affair its people have with combat sports. Whether the expansion happens today or tomorrow, it's inevitable that the Octagon finds its way to Manila in the future.

When that day comes, Wushu expert Eduard Folayang (10-1) may be one of the select few Filipino-born fighters to grab the spotlight. The 27-year-old lightweight has amassed a 10-1 record in eleven professional bouts with six of his wins coming by way of submission or knockout. He burst onto the scene in June of 2007, quickly earning five wins under the URCC banner in a three-year span before taking bouts with Singapore-based promotion Martial Combat.

Folayang is a product of Team Lakay, a Filipino-based camp that also houses prospects Kevin Belingon and Honorio Banario. Primarily a striker, Folayang has also improved his skills on the ground, specifically from top control. He possesses excellent conditioning, a diverse stand-up game that stems from his Wushu roots, and threatening ground and pound on the floor.

There are concerns moving forward however. Most notably, the Filipino mixed martial arts scene has yet to fully develop into a proving ground for emerging prospects. The scene, while full of life from a fan perspective, doesn't have the strength of competition to deem Folayang the "real deal" just yet.

From a technical standpoint, Folayang needs to focus on the nuances of becoming more technical in his approach on the feet. He has a tendency to swing for the fences, and it limits his ability to string together combinations.

On the plus side, Folayang is a gamer. He's very tough to finish, and he finds ways to win when being beaten early. I'm skeptical about his chances of continuing his streak with One Fighting Championships, but with an improved ground game and some adjustments on the feet -- there isn't anything to suggest Folayang can't continue to progress into a full-fledged, elite mixed martial artist. He needs to fight better competition, however, and I'm not convinced he'll find that in Singapore unless foreign competition is brought in to test him. 2012 should provide us with answers to those questions surrounding him.

Check out more video footage of Eduard Folayang after the jump...

Eduard Folayang vs. A Sol Kwon
ONE Fighting Championship: Champion vs. Champion - September 3, 2011

Eduard Folayang vs Vuyisile Colossa
Martial Combat 12 - October 16, 2010

Eduard Folayang vs Bao She Ri Gu
Martial Combat 5 - July 14, 2010

Eduard Folayang vs Egon Racz
Martial Combat 4 - June 17, 2010

Eduard Folayang vs. A.J. Aguon
URCC 14 - July 18, 2009