Former two-time ONE Championship lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang will be back in action against a tough opponent from Australia on Oct. 30.
ONE top honcho Chatri Sityodtong announced last week that Folayang will face the 29-year-old Antonio Caruso in the lightweight bout of ONE: Inside the Matrix Series tentatively set in Singapore.
The 35-year-old Folayang and his Team Lakay camp have been waiting for such announcement, as the former champion has signified his intention to become one of the contenders for the world belt currently held by Christian Lee of Singapore.
Folayang and Caruso were both defeated by Pieter Buist, who is now one of the top contenders for the title.
The last time Folayang saw action inside the ONE circle was on Jan. 31 where he suffered defeat via split decision against Buist.
Buist defeated Caruso via unanimous decision on Oct. 25, 2019.
Caruso made his professional mixed martial arts debut in early 2013, encouraged by his Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach and nominated by his brother without his knowledge. He began his professional career by going a perfect seven-zero with five fast finishes before relocating to Florida, U.S.A.
A multiple-time BJJ champion, Caruso is proud of his work ethics and ability to apply pressure, and he believes that most opponents cannot handle his intensity, both standing and on the ground.
Earlier, Folayang has accepted the challenge to share the ONE circle with reigning world champion Lee of Singapore.
While he wanted a rematch with title contender Eddie Alvarez, who defeated him via rear-naked choke last year, the Igorot fighter said facing Lee would be a tough challenge for him.
But before facing Lee, Folayang has to face the formidable Aussie fighter later this month. – Harley F. Palangchao
