Cris Cyborg wishes Eduard Folayang good luck after Team Lakay departure

Many in the mixed martial arts community were saddened by Eduard Folayang's decision to part ways with Team Lakay, and among them was Bellator champion Cris Cyborg.

The former UFC titleholder described the departure of Folayang from the team he spent the last 16 years with as marking an end to a significant era in Philippine MMA. She wished him all the best moving forward and invited 'Landslide' to visit her gym in California if the opportunity comes.

Cris Cyborg wrote in the comments section of Eduard Folayang’s departure announcement:

“End of an Era for Philippines MMA! If you make it to Cali you’re welcome to visit my gym!”

The Filipino legend replied:

“Cris Cyborg Justino for sure I will,thanks”

In saying his goodbyes, 'Landslide' said it was a decision that, in the end, he needed to do to continue to grow as a fighter even at this stage of his career.

After Eduard Folayang, other former world champions from Team Lakay followed suit, namely bantamweight Kevin 'The Silencer' Belingon, former featherweight king Honorio 'The Rock' Banario, and strawweight Joshua 'The Passion' Pacio.

Cris Cyborg also took time to pay tribute to Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao for everything he has done with the famed Baguio gym.

She commented under Belingon’s departure post on Facebook:

“Mark Sangiao what a great legacy of athletes you built!!”

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Eduard Folayang leaves a culture of excellence at Team Lakay

Former two-time ONE lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang recently made the tough decision to leave Team Lakay, effectively ending a fruitful partnership rooted in striving for excellence.

'Landslide' parted ways with the famed Baguio gym after 16 years in what he described as a bid to step out of his comfort zone and continue to evolve as a martial artist. He formally made the announcement over his Facebook fan-page on March 10.

While with Team Lakay, Eduard Folayang, along with longtime coach Mark Sangiao, was instrumental in helping it achieve great heights, both in popularity and achievement, especially under ONE Championship.

Through their efforts, they elevated Team Lakay to becoming the top fighting gym in the Philippines, and Folayang as the de facto face of Philippine mixed martial arts.

Eduard Folayang headlined ONE’s first-ever live show ONE: Champion vs. Champion in Singapore in 2011, where he defeated South Korean A-Sol Kwon by unanimous decision.

He steadily built his name after that, eventually reaching the summit when he became ONE lightweight world champion in November 2016 by knocking out then-champion Shinya Aoki.

Folayang’s second reign as champion came in November 2018 after he defeated Singapore’s Amir Khan for the vacant strap.

Rough years followed, but 'Landslide' swung back last year at ONE X when he topped Australian veteran John Wayne Parr under Muay Thai rules.

Before signing with ONE, Folayang was a decorated national team player, representing the Philippines in international Wushu competitions.