When Eduard “Landslide” Folayang shocked the world by stopping Shinya Aoki in 2016, he proved that Filipino fighters could reign on the global stage. Nearly a decade later, the former two-time ONE lightweight MMA world champion finds himself in a different role — as a mentor watching his teammate chase a legacy-defining milestone.

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, the reigning ONE strawweight MMA world champion, will move up to flyweight to challenge Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri on November 16 in Tokyo. A win would make Pacio the first Filipino to capture world titles in two different weight classes, a feat Folayang believes can reshape the trajectory of Philippine MMA.

Folayang sees Pacio ready for the challenge

For Folayang, Pacio’s journey has been years in the making. Both fighters came from the same Baguio roots under Team Lakay before transitioning to Lions Nation MMA, and Folayang has witnessed the younger champion’s growth first-hand.

“I’m really proud and excited for Joshua. Seeing him in this position is inspiring, not just for me but for every Filipino fighter,” Folayang shared. “We’ve walked this journey together for many years, and I know how much hard work and sacrifice he’s put in. To have the chance to make history for the Philippines is something special, and I’m confident he will make our country proud.”

Pacio has already cemented himself as a seven-time strawweight champion, but his comeback earlier this year showed his determination at another level. Returning from a partially torn ACL, he stopped Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks in February, reminding fans and peers alike that his fighting spirit remains intact.

A defining opportunity for Philippine MMA

Folayang understands the magnitude of what Pacio is chasing. Moving up in weight to face a reigning champion in front of a Japanese crowd demands both physical and mental resilience. Yet he sees in Pacio the same qualities that fueled his own championship reigns — discipline, humility, and an unshakable heart.

“Joshua has always been a student of the game. His fight IQ is very high, and he knows how to adapt inside the circle,” Folayang explained. “But more than that, his heart is unmatched. He fights not just for himself, but for the people who believe in him, for the Philippines, and ultimately for the glory of God. That’s what makes him dangerous and capable of achieving something this big.”

For Folayang, the impact of Pacio’s potential win goes beyond a championship belt. Just as his own world title victory opened doors for future generations, a two-division champion from the Philippines would mark another breakthrough moment.

“If Joshua wins this fight, it will be a proud moment for all Filipinos,” Folayang said. “It will show the world that we have the talent, heart, and determination to be among the best in the sport. For the next generation of fighters, it will serve as a reminder that with hard work, discipline, and faith in God, dreams that once seemed impossible can be achieved.”

From one pioneer to another, Folayang sees Pacio’s rise as the continuation of a story that began with his own championship triumphs. This time, he is not the one inside the cage — but he stands firmly behind the man carrying Philippine MMA into a new era.