Banario vows to regain OFC title

STRIPPED of his title the last time out, Honorio “The Rock” Banario promised a knockout victory over Japanese Koji Oishi to reclaim the One Fighting Championship world featherweight belt in their rematch on Dec. 6 at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s my turn to knock him out,” said Banario, a powerful striker from Team Lakay who trains in Baguio City.  “I’m bringing my belt back to the Philippines.”

Banario, 24, became the country’s first world champion in mixed martial arts after beating veteran Eric Kelly for the OneFC featherweight belt.

But Oishi, a veteran of 44 fights, floored Banario with a counter right in the second round of their duel to earn the title  at MOA last May.

“I can’t believe I lost the first bout and I will definitely not lose in the rematch,” said Banario, who trained with top coaches in Malaysia and a wrestling coach in Baguio to improve his grappling skills.