As excitement builds for ONE Friday Fights 86 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, a touching exchange between former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Filipina Muay Thai sensation Islay Erika Bomogao has fans buzzing. Folayang, a Filipino MMA icon, shared a heartfelt message for Bomogao as she prepares for her debut bout on November 8, encouraging the young athlete as she embarks on this milestone.

Eduard Folayang’s Message to Islay Bomogao: A Heartfelt Boost

After ONE Championship announced Bomogao’s upcoming 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout against Japanese fighter Fuu, Folayang expressed his admiration and support for the young fighter’s journey on social media.

“I saw how this young lady grew into a great martial artist. Godspeed on your upcoming pro bout, Islay, get that big win,” Folayang wrote, sharing the official fight announcement. This public show of support from one of the country’s most celebrated MMA figures touched Bomogao, who looked up to Folayang as a mentor during her early days with Team Lakay.

From Admiration to Inspiration: Bomogao’s Journey with Team Lakay

Hailing from the same region and sharing a history with the famed Team Lakay, Folayang and Bomogao’s paths first crossed when she joined the gym as an aspiring fighter. Folayang was already a star in Filipino MMA circles, and Bomogao, then a junior trainee, would often stay late at the gym, captivated by Folayang’s training sessions.

“You were one of my biggest influences growing up. When I was a little bean training at the gym, I stayed late after our junior class sessions so I could watch you and the senior elite team train,” Bomogao shared, reflecting on her admiration for Folayang and his teammates.

A New Chapter: Bomogao’s Rise in Muay Thai

Since those early days, Bomogao has made a name for herself in Muay Thai, earning a gold medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and securing the top-ranked 45-kilogram spot in the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) rankings. Now with Team Bagsik, she is one of the country’s most promising young fighters.

Folayang, who moved on from Team Lakay to establish his own Lions Nation MMA gym, was quick to encourage her, emphasizing that her dedication has led her to this moment. “You are doing great, champ,” he said. “Welcome to the platform to showcase your skill, ONE Championship.”

A Promising Future for Bomogao in ONE Championship

Bomogao’s debut at ONE Championship could be the first step toward joining the main roster, and she stands on the brink of realizing her dream with Folayang’s unwavering support. As fans eagerly await her November 8 showdown, this exchange serves as a powerful reminder of the close-knit Filipino MMA community and the inspiring role models who shape the next generation of fighters.

Will Bomogao follow in Folayang’s footsteps and become a dominant force in ONE Championship? Her fans, including Folayang himself, will be watching closely.