Banario looks to snap Filipino MMA losing streak

SINGAPORE – It’s been a rough year for Filipino mixed martial arts to say the least. The opportunities have been plentiful, but the wins are scarce. One man, Honorio “The Rock” Banario, looks to put an end to the drought against a familiar foe, Koji Oishi, the same man who took his title away.

The last time the two fighters met at the center of the cage was back in May at the main event of One FC 9: Rise to Power at the MOA Arena. Banario stood tall against his wily Japanese counterpart in front of throngs of screaming Pinoy MMA fans.

Unfortunately for Banario, it just simply wasn’t his night. Oishi ended the contest at 1:45 of Round 2 with a series of vicious strikes as referee Yuji Shimada called a halt. Oishi became the new Featherweight champion and sent Banario back to the drawing board.

Eric Kelly, Kevin Belingon, Rene Catalan, Brandon Vera, Mark Munoz, Mark Streigl and even Banario himself have all contributed to the extended losing streak that Filipino MMA fighters are on right now.

But in the world of fight sports, all it takes is one win to turn everything around.

This time, Banario and Oishi go at it once again on December 6, back in the same MOA Arena where it all went down the first time. In an event aptly named One FC: Moment of Truth, Banario seeks to avenge his loss and prove to himself and to the whole world what kind of fighter he is.

From all accounts, Banario looks dead set in bringing his A-game.

“Nothing is going to stop me from winning back my championship,” said the man they call “The Rock.”

Koji Oishi may have something to say about that, but will most probably do all the talking with his fists.

It’s going to be another war folks. Don’t blink.

The Road to moment of truth

Banario first captured the One FC belt back in an all-Filipino title match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia against compatriot Eric “The Natural” Kelly. Banario dominated the fight with his measured striking and a good, solid gameplan. Kelly was never able to get anything off and as a result, it allowed Banario to cautiously make it to the end of the fight and crowned the new champion.

Banario became the first ever One FC Featherweight Champion and the Philippines’ first world champion in mixed martial arts – an amazing feat, one that will forever be in the books.

The loss to Oishi stung hard for the Pinoy warrior however, as Banario was on his way to winning the fight at the time of the stoppage.

“I wanted to apologize to all the Filipinos watching, but I will come back stronger and better,” vowed the former champion.

The eldest of three highly-talented fighting brothers, Honorio is a budding star with huge upside. His skills are solid and coupled with his unparalleled work ethic, he’s a tough man to be in the cage against. Losing to Oishi only helped him with valuable experience.

Needless to say, if Banario ever finds himself in the same situation, he won’t make the same mistake again.

“I was winning the first bout. Now is my time to get back my title. Oishi, I am coming for you!” said Banario, in a challenge to the now defending Featherweight champion Koji Oishi.

A battle of attrition

If their first fight is what we have to go by, their second meeting should have fans on the edge of their seats.

Both Banario and Oishi employ a high-level striking game, with Banario particularly adept at Wushu. Training out of Baguio City for Lakay MMA Tap Team, Banario is on the cusp of greatness. All he needs is to beat the man they put in front of him.

He’ll have to walk through hellfire and brimstone to get it though, as Oishi is not just any opponent. Oishi is a Japanese and Pancrase MMA veteran who’s been competing at a high level for over a decade, years before Banario even made his professional MMA debut.

He once lost to LaVerne Clark at UFC 25 in a spirited performance, more than 10 years ago.

But with all the mileage on Oishi’s body, he’ll have to contend with Banario’s youth. Nothing is more dangerous than a man who just simply refuses to lose.

“The One FC Featherweight world championship belongs to me and I am coming to take it back,” said Banario, ripped and ready for his moment of truth.

It all comes down to who wants it more. Let the fists fly and may the best man win. – Rappler.com