Martin Nguyen shows compassion to Edward Folayang after KO, sends a heartfelt message and calls him a brother

Nguyen worried and holds Folayang's hand. Photo Credit || ONE Championship

Baguio City - It was a shocking night to the Filipino fans especially to the Cordillerans seeing their champion knocked out cold inside the octagon.

Last night bout between two champions Martin Nguyen and Eduard Folayang proved sports favors only one and that Nguyen deserves the victory. It was a good fight for both of them showcasing the bests of their boxing power and skill though Folayang got caught with a surprised right hand counter hook from Nguyen after delivering his spinning heel kick in the second round.

But Nguyen's reaction after Folayang laid on the canvas shows the true color of a champion. He didn't go for an immediate celebration like most winners do but Nguyen immediately rushed and knelled down beside Folayang to make sure he was okay. 

Nguyen tried to lift Folayang's head to make sure he was okay but the ringside doctor and the referees move him away. Video from One Championship's FB page showed Nguyen went to the other side and holds Folayang's hand like a true friend.

In the post fight interview, Nguyen admitted he doesn't want to see Eduard in that kind of situation because they were good friends.

"Look, honestly, it really hurt. I never ever, ever want to see someone I like, or some I know go through that... I just couldn't help but have little hard feeling for Eduard when he got knocked out." Martin said.

He also sends a heartfelt message to the Filipino champ and wish him to recover well and come back stronger.

"Eduard, I still love you like a brother, I hope you're fine and I hope and you come back stronger. I'm still your number one fan.

The November 10th One Championship bout in Manila has caused many Filipino fans both happy and sad.

For the Cordilleran fans and Team Lakay, it was a victory 3 - 0. Kevin Belingon, Jushua Pacio and Gina Iniong got the victory on their side, while Eduard Folayang and undefeated Danny Kingad suffered loss.

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"Best Version of Eduard Folayang" to be showcased against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam on Nov.10

Cordillera, - Fans of Igorot One Lightweight World  Champion Eduard Folayang around the world are now excited to see their champion step into the cage once again as ONE championship has just announced in a press release fight between two world champions, Eduard Folayang himself against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam.

The two champions will clash in another 'blockbuster evening of world-class martial arts' dubbed as ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD on 10 November at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, according to ONE Championship.

"The two world champions in their respective weight classes are set  to go head-to-head in a cross-divisional showdown that will be talked about the world over," Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship said in a statement.

 Eduard "Landslide" Folayang of the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City, is one of the Philippines' most experienced martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 18-5 professional record. The 33-year-old veteran is currently riding a four-bout winning streak against high-profile opponents, including an empahitic technical knockout victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. He also successfully defended his title against challenger Ev Ting of Malaysia last April.

Set on the 10th of November, Eduard Folayang will be showcasing the best version of an Igorot Champion as he go head-to-head with another champion from Vietnam.

"As a martial artist, I am constantly in search of the biggest challenges, the biggest test of my skills. As a champion, I welcome any and all challengers. Martin is one of the best in the world and it is an honor to share the ONE Championship cage with him. This is a bout for the fans, and I can't wait to perform in front of my hometown crowd in Manila once again. I have complete respect for my opponent's skills and together with my brothers at Team Lakay, my coach Mark Siangao, I am preparing to showcase the best version of Eduard Folayang on 10 November."

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