Finding a new division, former ONE World Featherweight Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario finally ends his five fight losing streak. Moreover, teammate Joshua Pacio’s made a debut for the ages earlier in ONE Global Rivals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Team Lakay’s Pacio’s impressive in ONE debut
If first impressions last, 20 year old Team Lakay standout Joshua Pacio made a debut for the ages Friday night.
Pacio showcased his wide array of kicks in the early parts of opening stanza. Wanting to prove himself, Catalan went for a huge body kick but was caught by the 20 year old Lakay fighter for an eventual single leg takedown. Catalan stayed active on the guard but Pacio was able to land an array of body and short head punches. The Baguio-native closed out the first round strong in gaining side control and landing a knee to the head.
It was a leg kick battle early in the second round as both warriors tried to stave each other away. Pacio though saw an opening as he was able to secure a double leg takedown midway through the round for side control. As quick as a hiccup, he then made a quick switch to mount and rained on hammerfists and punches. The referee had seen enough and called a stop to the bout with 1:41 left in the round.
With the win, Pacio goes to 7-0 while Catalan falls to 4-4.
Result: Joshua Pacio def. Rabin Catalan via TKO (ground and pound) (3:19, rd2)
Nguyen’s experience overcomes Kai Wen Li’s youth
In a thrilling four minutes of action, Martin “The Situ-asian” Nguyen and Kai Wen Li figured in a Fight of the Night candidate. However, it was Nguyen’s experience that bested the youth of the 2014 ONE Featherweight Gran Prix Champion.
To the surprise of Nguyen, Li connected with a powerful leg kick to open the bout followed by a huge suplex and a spinning back fist. Needing to stymie the speed of his opponent, Nguyen secured the back of Li. The Chinese featherweight though was able to connect with a head kick that stunned the Australian. An uppercut by Li afterwards rocked Nguyen but a huge counter straight by the Situ-Asian that knocked down Li. The Australian went on to gain the back of the 20 year old Chinese fighter. After a failed rear naked choke attempt, he was able to secure the hooks of his back and threw an array of hammerfists. With 18 seconds left, the referee had seen enough and stopped the bout.
“Everytime I see him fight, I’m really impressed,” Nguyen admitted. “He has a strong chin and the strikes that surprised you are the ones that hurt the most.”
Nguyen is now 6-1 in his career while Li has nothing to be ashamed of even with a 5-3 slate.
Result: Martin Nguyen def. Kai Wen Li via TKO (ground and pound) (4:42, rd1)
Banario snaps out of funk in decision win over fellow Filipino
Honorio Banario, in his debut with the lightweight division, proved to be a more powerful fighter as he was able to secure five takedowns in his bout against Vaughn Donayre to snap out of his funk and return to the win division after three years.
Banario had a hop in his step in the opening moments of the match as he landed huge combinations. Moreover, huge shots by the 36 year old Donayre did not seem to falter “The Rock” early on. After a missed overhand right by Donayre, Banario was able to secure a double leg takedown, his first of the bout.
As the fight went on, the power and speed in the fists of Donayre wained and wained. Banario though continued with his aggressiveness in securing another takedown in the second stanza. Two more takedowns by Banario in the final round ultimately secured the win for the 26 year old Baguio-native.
“First of all, Pinoy vs. Pinoy is the best fight in the world,” an overjoyed Banario said. “I like this higher division, this is the start of a new stage in my career. Sa susunod magkita ulit tayo.”
Banario finally ended his five-fight losing streak and is now 9-6 while Donayre falls to 8-5.
Result: Honorio Banario def. Vaughn Donayre via unanimous decision
