ONE Championship (ONE) confirmed this morning that they will return to Manila on April 21 to hold their tenth event on Philippine shores. 

The 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena will play host to ONE: Kings Of Destiny which will be headlined by a ONE lightweight world championship title fight between Eduard Folayang of the Philippines, defending his title against Ev Ting of Malaysia. 

Speaking via a press release this morning, Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship said he couldn’t wait to bring the promotion back to the Philippines.

“It is always an amazing time when ONE Championship is in Manila, because Filipino fans are so intensely passionate about the sport of mixed martial arts that the atmosphere in the SM Mall of Asia Arena just hits a fever pitch,” Cui said. “We can’t wait to be back in April as our team has prepared an incredible main event for the organization’s return to Manila. The Philippines’ beloved hero Eduard Folayang will defend his ONE Lightweight World Championship against Malaysian superstar Ev Ting.”

Folayang (17-5) of Team Lakay in Baguio City, is one of the Philippines’ most experienced mixed martial artists with twenty-two professional contest on his record. 

The 33-year-old veteran has authored a career resurgence in 2016, winning three consecutive matches against high-profile opponents and showcasing a highly-improved wrestling and grappling offensive arsenal. In his last bout, Folayang shocked the world by capturing the ONE lightweight title when he defeated the Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. This fight against Ting will be his first title defense since capturing the belt last November and suffice to say, he cannot wait to defend the belt in front of his home fans.

“Winning the title against a legend like Shinya Aoki will forever hold a special place of distinction in my career, but it is only the first step in establishing my legacy,” Folayang said via press release. “Before champions are recognized as greats and legends of the sport, every single one of them faced contenders that challenged their prowess as champions. In April, I will have the opportunity to show the world why I hold my coveted title.

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“I know how exceptional Ev Ting's talent is. I am in a tough preparation for this bout. This will be my first fight in the Philippines since December 2014. I don't want to let my countrymen down. I will make sure that the belt stays in the Philippines.”

If Folayang is to successfully defend his title for the first time, he must take out Ting who has certainly earned his way to a title shot.

Ting is a mixed martial artist of Malaysian heritage. He lives and trains out of Auckland, New Zealand, and owns a stellar 13-3 win-loss record so far in his professional career. A winner of his last four bouts over top-caliber foes, Ting is one of the most talented mixed martial artists to come out of Malaysia. Eight of his 13 victories have come inside the distance, including four submissions and four knockouts. Ting secured a date with Folayang when he notched a split decision win over former title challenger Kamal Shalorus last February.

“I have worked tirelessly to be where I am now,” Ting said via press release. “It has finally paid off because I will get an opportunity to vie for a world title. It's every mixed martial artist's dream to become a champion. 

"This is my chance to fulfill that dream. Eduard Folayang is a great champion and is admired by many Filipinos, but he has what I want. I'm coming to Manila to get it from him and bring the belt home to Malaysia.”