FILE – Honorio Banario celebrates after his knockout win over Jaroslav Jartim. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Experiencing his first loss in two years last September, Honorio Banario made sure to focus on refining his skills before stepping back in the ONE cage.
Banario, who submitted to Amir Khan via rear naked choke in the ONE: Beyond the Horizon card in China, immediately went back to work and paid special attention to his jiu-jitsu, training in the famed Clube De Jiu Jitsu Filipinas with national champion John Baylon.
“That’s what I really focused on—-grappling, defense and offense of jiujitsu,” Banario told INQUIRER.net Tuesday after the press conference at City of Dreams Manila. “I want my jiu-jitsu game to be smooth, so I can pick the spots better in my next fight.”
Banario doesn’t need to wait long to showcase his improved game as he takes on Rahul Raju of India, a last-minute replacement for Dae Sung Park of South Korea, on Friday in the ONE: Conquest of Champions at Mall of Asia Arena.
The new opponent should not be an issue for Banario, who will have the hometown crowd behind him unlike in his last fight in China as he tries to get back into title contention again.
“I think this time is going to be better. The crowd gives me inspiration to stay strong and tough. Last September, I struggled a bit because it had been a long time since I fought out of the country. It was a different feeling. Here, you’re going to be really inspired,” Banario said.
He is fighting in the same card as his Team Lakay stablemate Eduard Folayang, who is looking to regain the lightweight title against the Amir Khan, the same person to have stunned Banario in China, in the co-main event.
If Folayang wins, he will be the fourth reigning titlist after Geje Eustaquio, Joshua Pacio and Kevin Belingon from Team Lakay just this year.
“There’s pressure to win because I’m coming from a loss, but I’m inspired by my teammates who have been winning. I want to get my winning streak back so I can also get that belt in the future,” Banario said.
The 29-year-old Baguio native is banking on his veteran smarts against the Singapore-based Raju, who is coming off two straight losses and is hungry to get back on track.
I can say my edge is that I’ve been fighting for a long time. I can say that I’m a veteran and I think I have refined technique.”