Islay Bomogao takes on Japanese striker Fuu in a 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 86.
Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Filipina Muay Thai rising star Islay Erika Bomogao had a heartfelt exchange on social media after the latter’s ONE debut was announced over the weekend.
Bomogao takes on Japanese striker Fuu in a 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 86 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 8.
Sharing ONE’s announcement of Bomogao’s upcoming fight, Folayang said:
“I saw how this young lady grew into a great martial artist. Godspeed on your upcoming pro bout Islay, get that big win.”
Aside from being from the same region, the pair crossed paths when they were both training under Team Lakay. Folayang was the country’s biggest MMA star at that time, and Bomogao just joined the gym.
Since then, the pair went separate ways. Folayang formed Lions Nation MMA and Bomogao joined Team Bagsik and became one of the most promising young fighters in the country with a SEA Games gold medal and earning the top-ranked 45-kilogram spot in IFMA.
Bomogao blushed upon seeing one of her heroes endorsing her upcoming fight. She even revealed that she would stay in the gym after training just to watch Folayang and company prepare for their fights.
“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,” she said.
“You guys starstruck me every day. Thank you for inspiring me.”
Now, Bomogao is a few impressive victories away from joining her inspiration on the ONE Championship main roster, and Folayang made sure to remind her of that.
“You are doing great, champ,” he said. “Welcome to the platform to showcase your skill, ONE Championship.”