“Got goosebumps” - Fans terrified and in awe of Martin Nguyen’s display of power and sportsmanship against Eduard Folayang

In over a decade of competing in ONE Championship, Australian-Vietnamese fighter Martin Nguyen has established a reputation as a fierce competitor but at the same time respectful of the game and his opponent. He clearly demonstrated that in his devastating knockout victory over Filipino MMA legend Eduard Folayang eight years ago.

The two battled at ONE: Legends Of The World in November 2017 in Manila in an all-champion clash for Folayang's lightweight MMA belt. It ended with a devastating knockout by the then-featherweight world champion Nguyen in the second round with a well-timed counter as the Filipino went for a spinning back kick.

"Landslide' was knocked out cold with the solid punch after, moving 'The Situ-Asian' to immediately check on his fallen opponent with a lot of concern.

ONE Championship went back to the archives to relive Martin Nguyen's show of power and sportsmanship, posting a video of it on Instagram ahead of his scheduled return to action next month.

Fans shared their thoughts on what Nguyen demonstrated in his clash with Folayang in the comments section of the post.

Below are what some of them wrote:

"Got goosebumps, he has high honor in combat," one fan highlighted.

Power and honor

"Fighter with a pure heart," another described Nguyen.

Heart of a true fighter

Below are screenshots of what others had to say of Martin Nguyen and his perfromance:

Fierce competitor and true sportsman

Nguyen continues to be in equal parts a tough competitor and a true gentleman making him among the well-respected fighters in the promotion.

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Martin Nguyen battles Shamil Gasanov at ONE 171: Qatar

Martin Nguyen starts his 2025 campaign at ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20 against Russian powerhouse Shamil Gasanov.

The two are featured in a featherweight MMA clash at the event happening at the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail and marking the return of ONE Championship to Qatar for the second straight year.

Nguyen was last in action in January last year, where he fell by submission in the opening round to American Garry Tonon.

Meanwhile, his opponent, Gasanov, has been on a three-fight ascent, with his last victory coming in December over Halil Amir of Turkey by unanimous decision.

ONE 171: Qatar will be aired live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.