Isojima Seeks Redemption vs Folayang at The Inner Circle 21

Shozo “Great Teacher” Isojima knows this fight means more than a simple victory over Eduard “Landslide” Folayang. After two crushing losses where he felt powerless in the ring, the 28‑year‑old Japanese judoka views the upcoming bout as a survival test for his ONE Championship future. He has already reshaped his life, leaving his part‑time job as a physical‑education teacher behind to train full‑time. The urgency behind his preparation adds extra weight to the clash scheduled for Friday, July 10.

Event Details and Stakes

The co‑main event will take place at The Inner Circle 21, streaming live in Asian primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. Fans can watch the fight exclusively through the ONE Championship streaming platform, live.onefc.com. The matchup pits Isojima against a former three‑time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion who carries 23 career victories.

Folayang’s Legacy

Eduard Folayang is a Filipino icon and a pioneer of Asian MMA, having helped define ONE’s lightweight division with explosive wushu‑based striking and relentless pressure. His years of World Championship experience and a record of 23 wins give him a fearsome reputation that Isojima respects. The veteran’s ability to punish opponents with striking and maintain constant forward movement makes him a tough adversary, and Isojima knows he cannot take anything for granted.

Isojima’s Mindset Shift

Isojima’s recent setbacks forced a complete rethink of his career approach. He now dedicates himself almost exclusively to martial‑arts training, emphasizing conditioning and fight preparation. In his own words, he feels he must “dedicate everything” to facing top‑tier opponents, a philosophy that fuels his current grind. This new level of commitment is intended to produce the dominant performance he claims is now essential.

Tactical Plan

Isojima expects Folayang’s stand‑up striking to be dangerous early, but he intends to weather those exchanges and move the battle to the ground. He believes his judo base—particularly armbar submissions, powerful throws, and top‑control techniques—will create the dominant finish he needs. The Japanese fighter says he aims to control the first two rounds, build ground‑and‑pound pressure, and secure an early knockout, emphasizing a dominant result that will cement his future in the organization.

Looking Ahead

With his survival in ONE Championship seemingly on the line, Isojima is determined to leave a strong impression. He wants the fight to be decided quickly, using a calculated plan that leverages his takedown skill and grappling superiority. If he can execute his vision, the result could reshape his standing in the organization and signal a new era of dominance from the Japanese prodigy.