While the country lost a world title in mixed martial arts (MMA) after Eduard Folayang went down against Martin Nguyen this year, a number of Filipino fighters scored victories in the international arena.

These wins showed that local fans have something to look forward to in 2018 besides Folayang’s comeback plan.

Here are 8 victories by fighters that thrilled Pinoys.

Torres' upset of Thai MMA star Ishige

Jomary Torres' surprise victory over rising Thai star Rika Ishige was nothing short of a shocker.

Before coming into the ONE Championship Macau card in August, Torres was a relative unknown from Zamboanga. But when she started connecting shots against "Tiny Doll," fans sensed an upset in the making. (LINK ON BOUT http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/05/17/mma-jomary-torres-saves-ph-from-shutout-in-one-macau-card)

What stumped fight fans in Macau was Torres's ability to beat Ishige in her own game as she submitted her in the second round.

Rolando Dy’s breakthrough win

After being cut from the UFC due to 2 consecutive losses, Rolando Dy was given a chance to come back.

And he didn’t waste that chance against Wuliji Buren of China as he carved out a decision in that catchweight bout last November. Using his impressive striking to offset his opponent’s ground game, he dropped Buren with a wicked left hook in the first round.

The son of world boxing champion Rolando Navarrete said his victory was nothing short of a "miracle." "I believe without a doubt that I belong here (in MMA). My heart belongs here, my mind belongs here," Dy said.

'The Rock' shows consistency

Former lightweight champion Honorio "The Rock" Banario scored one of his best victories last April when he sent his Czech foe crashing to the ground with a deft left hook.

After 5 straight setbacks, Banario worked feverishly to improve his game. And it showed against Jaroslav Jartim, who came in as a late replacement for Rob Lisita.

After pinning Jartim to the mat through most of the 1st round, Banario unloaded a crippling left hook that knocked Jartim out cold in the second round of their lightweight bout.

Belingon stops lighting from Australia

Reece McLaren expected to secure a rematch against bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes last August.

But nothing prepared the Fil-Aussie against “The Silencer” Kevin Belingon who dropped him with a counter right straight before going for the kill with an unrelenting, vicious ground and pound.

Belingon, a former bantamweight title contender himself, then outclassed Korea’s Kevin Chung to set himself up for a title clash with Fernandes in 2018.

Doliguez ends slide with KO of Brazilian foe

After 3 consecutive losses, Roy Doliguez was determined to end his slump. And he did it against Brazil’s Yago Brian last September.

The former boxer decked Brian with a left straight that sent the Brazilian slumping to the mat in the second round of their strawweight fight. The “Dominator” was about to chase Brian to the ground, but the referee quickly stepped in and awarded the Filipino his first victory in ONE Championship.

Pacio KOs Doliguez with a spinner

Joshua Pacio made a stunning comeback last November when he shocked fellow former strawweight title contender Roy Doliguez in front of Pinoy fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

Pacio, who was 3 months removed from his submission defeat to Hayato Suzuki, eagerly engaged Doliguez to a standup battle in their 3-round bout.

In the second round, Pacio found an opening and whacked Doliguez with a spinning back fist that knocked the latter out.

Iniong’s stoppage of Indonesian warrior

Following a decision victory over Fil-Brit Natalie Gonzales-Hills, Gina Iniong made her first stoppage win in the ONE Championship cage during her match against Indonesia’s Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol last November.

Iniong needed only two rounds to beat Gaol by first securing a sidemount position before battering the Indonesian and trapping her hands with a crucifix mount

Belingon’s electrifying win over Finn

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Once again, Belingon showed his deadly side when he faced the taller Toni Tauru of Finland in April.

Partly motivated by Tauru’s submission victory over Belingon’s teammate Geje Eustaquio, Belingon made sure he’ll come out victorious in front of the Filipino crowd at Mall of Asia Area.

Belingon wisely stayed away from Tauru’s ground game, whipping the Finnish fighter’s lead leg with stinging low kicks early in the first round.

After escaping Tauru’s takedown maneuver, Belingon bloodied the him with a cracking right hand. Blood streamed to Tauru’s right eye and this heavily bothered him, prompting Belingon to batter him until he surrendered with a verbal tapout.

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