A new stable called Lions Nation MMA has been born in the Cordillera and aims to produce world martial arts champions in the future.
Two-time ONE Championship Eduard “Landslide” Folayang together with three fellow world champions Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Honorio “The Rock” Banario, and Joshua “The Passion” Pacio have joined forces in establishing a stable that renewed their purpose, passion, and persistence to be back in the world stage, while guiding the next generation of martial artists from this highland region and elsewhere.
The birth of the Lions Nation MMA was formally announced during the inauguration of the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center at Km. 4 La Trinidad, Benguet on June 24. The center is under the watch of Folayang.
This means Lions Nation MMA will serve as the mother club and those behind the newest stable can establish their own training centers.
Siblings Jerry and Jenelyn Olsim have established the Bokodian Warrior Martial Arts Gym in their hometown, Bokod, Benguet.
The establishment of the new stable came months after Folayang, Belingon, Banario, and Pacio, among other fighters announced their departure from Team Lakay.
A month later, Folayang and Pacio flew to the United States for training in various gyms such as the Jackson Wink MMA Academy, Wild Card Gym, and at the gym of MMA female world champion Cris Cyborg.
Folayang said they have learned a lot from their training in the U.S. and are excited to share it to future MMA stars from the Cordillera.
Lions Nation MMA has tapped first Igorot Brazilian jiu jitsu blackbelt Gibran Langbayan and Darinton Colas as one of their coaches.
Other MMA personalities present during the inauguration were Lito Adiwang, Jeremy Pacatiw, Erick Kelly, Gina Iniong-Araos, Estrada Donga-as, Aaron Posawen, Denver Songaben, and Jahn Serbo. – Harley F. Palangchao
