The potential all-striking bout between bemedalled wushu-based fighter Eduard Folayang and multiple karate world champion Sage Northcutt of the United States would be a dream match fans around the world would love to see.
This was underscored by reigning ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio and rising fighter Jhanlo Mark Sangiao, who both claimed that the 38-year-old Folayang and 26-year-old Northcutt will do everything inside the circle to excite the fans.
But up to the now, the potential match under the Muay Thai super series rules has not been officially confirmed by ONE management through chief executive officer Chatri Sityodtong, who usually makes official announcements on future bouts.
Folayang isn’t the type of fighter who calls out or selects his next opponent, as his legend grew because he faces anyone presented to him inside the circle.
But after Folayang’s victory over John Wayne Parr at ONE X on March 26, the Filipino mixed martial arts icon revealed who he would like to tackle next — Northcutt under the Muay Thai rules.
Sityodtong revealed Folayang versus Northcutt could have happened before ONE X, but the talks fell through.
The crossing of paths by Folayang and Northcutt is inevitable because of the massive success they’ve had in their respective striking disciplines. The Texas native was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame in 2012 and is also a third dan black belter in taekwondo.
Folayang won a bronze medal in the 2005 Wushu World Championships in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a silver medal in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. He also won three gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games.
“Many people think that it’s time for him to leave the fighting scene, but you know kuya Eduard, he will be there to prove that he is far from the finish line,” Pacio said.
If this fight pushes through, Pacio and Sangiao expect nothing but an exciting showdown. – Harley F. Palangchao
