Sa kabila ng panalo niya laban kay Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki sa kanilang unang paghaharap tatlong taon na ang nakararaan, mataas pa rin ang pagtingin at respeto sa kanya ni Eduard “Landslide” Folayang.

Ang 35 anyos na Pinoy ay tinawag si Aoki na “The greatest submission artist in the history of mixed martial arts."

“Being in the cage with him in the main event of ONE Championship’s biggest event ever is already an honor in itself.”

“I am really happy to be sharing the main event with him, and to face a legend like Aoki for the second time,” sabi ni Folayang na makakalaban si Aoki sa pangalawang pagkakataon sa ONE: A NEW ERA sa Tokyo, Japan sa Marso 31.

'Pikon daw?' UAAP fan na nag-dirty finger, agaw-eksena sa San Juan Arena!

“I could not be any happier."

“I knew that one day we’re gonna face each other again, it is really inevitable,” bahagi ni Folayang.

“He has finished all his opponents, that means he’s determined to reclaim his belt.

“I think he’s still the best at what he does, especially when it comes to grappling.”

Kahit naging impresibo ang mga huling laban ng Japanese legend, ibinahagi ni Folayang na malaki na rin ang ipinagbago niya at sabik na siyang ipakita ito sa Japan.

“I think I have a mental and spiritual edge against Aoki. I know I have also improved from my last fight," pahayag niya.

“As much as possible, I will not give him the opportunity to bring me down to the mat.”