Pieter Buist Wants The ONE Lightweight Champion Christian Lee Next

Competing on just two weeks notice at ONE: Fire And Fury, Pieter “The Archangel” Buist became a real contender for the lightweight belt after an impressive win against the home hero, Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang.

The Netherlands native defeated the former ONE lightweight world champion in Manila, in what was a split decision by the judges.

Speaking after the biggest win of his career to date, Pieter Buist spoke of how this bout was a massive step forward for him in his quest to rise up the ranks in what can only be described as a division packed with talent.

“It was really an honour to fight [Folayang]. He’s a legend, he’s a former champion, and for me, this was a huge step up,” Buist told ONE Championship.

Former champion Folayong, met one of his toughest opponents to date in Buist and there were times during the fight when it looked like Buist may just take Folayong out. Buist obviously impressed the judges with his display of power and technicality throughout.

Speaking after the bout, Buist was delighted and felt he had the edge on his opponent throughout.

“Everything he did was expected. He lives in high altitude so his conditioning is always great, so it was nothing new, but with two weeks’ notice, you can’t really prepare for it. I think the first round was for him, the second round was for me, and the third round I landed the high kick.

“I felt I wasn’t as sharp as normal so I hesitated because you know Team Lakay, they always come back strong, so I was afraid of the spinning back fist, but I kept it technical. He was able to land those knees but it is what it is, I won the fight. I thought it was weird that it was split, but I’m happy I won.”

Buist agreed to the fight in Manila, Phillipines, home country of Folayang, just two weeks before the fight and only days after the birth of his second child.

“I helped the company two times because my last fight [against Antonio Caruso at ONE: Dawn Of Valor] in Jakarta was on three weeks’ notice, but I love ONE, they are like a family to me and if I can help them out, I always will, but not too much.

“When they called me I was with my son on the couch. I was still training but not on a high level, not for a match. Now I want a training camp, but first, I want to rest with my kid.”

After what will be a well deserved rest, Buist feels he is ready to step up and take on ONE lightweight champion, Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Buist claims he has proved himself during his last two fights and now deserves a shot at the belt.

I’m on an eight-bout winning streak, I’m 15-4, what more do they want? I came in my last fight, it was against an undefeated fighter on three weeks’ notice, now on two weeks’ notice against a legend and a former champion, now I have bragging rights! I want the champion, I’m gunning for the champion. That’s who I want and that’s who I feel I deserve.”

Would you like to see Pieter Buist challenge Christian Lee next?


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