Last night’s ONE: ‘Dawn of Heroes’ produced plenty of drama but the biggest story of the night was Eddie Alvarez’s come from behind submission win over Eduard Folayang.
Folayang buckled Alvarez with a low kick moments before the former UFC and Bellator champion turned the tables and pulled off a rear naked choke. His coach took to Instagram to express his pride in the 35 year old’s performance:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0sCgx-JPhx/
Mark Henry clearly states that Alvarez came into the fight with ‘a messed up ankle’. This would explain why Folayang’s kick had such a devastating effect.
It might also make the Filipino regret going to the ground with an injured opponent. Folayang could have elected to make Alvarez stand and strike on his injured ankle.
Next up for Alvarez is the Lightweight Grand Prix final at ONE: ‘Century’ on October 13th. It means that there are just 71 days in which his ankle can heal, and a very limited window of opportunity in which to rest it.
However given that Alvarez had no qualms about fighting Folayang with an injured ankle it is doubtful he will withdraw from ONE: ‘Century’. But the big difference is that opponent Saygid Arslanaliev now knows all about the injury, and will be looking to test it.
