Defeat is not something a fighter can easily get used to, but after five straight losses, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio "The Rock" Banario was on the brink of obscurity. Retirement however was never an option, the Filipino said.
Banario (9-6) turned back the clock with a thorough unanimous decision victory over fellow Filipino Vaughn "The Spawn" Donayre (8-5). The pair put on a great show for fans in attendance at the 20,000-capacity Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.
The usual crowd was out, consisting mainly of Filipino fight fans who have showed their support for mixed martial arts. Among the crowd also were celebrities Aubrey Miles and Jacq Yu as well as siblings KC and Troy Montero.
Banario and Donayre both did not disappoint as the two brought the crowd up to their feet with fierce exchanges at the center of the ONE Cage.
What ensued was a memorable lightweight contest in Banario's first foray in a higher weight class, which he refers to as a new beginning for his career.
Donayre did his best to stay right in front of Banario, who dazzled with his quick kicks and thudding punches.
Banario however dominated the striking exchanges, consistently landing the right hand over the top and with good, solid power. He rocked Donayre on multiple occasions and showed a new dimension of his game with some improved power.
Perhaps more surprising would be Banario's vastly improved grappling game. Banario in one instance pounded Donayre with strikes from top position, before stepping over the arm and cranking out a great attempt at an armbar submission.
Although Donayre was able to escape from the hold, it was a good showcase of grappling confidence from the once limited Banario.
In the end, Banario did just enough to earn the unanimous decision, putting in perhaps his finest performance to date.