The old guard of the famed Team Lakay camp closed ONE Championship’s first foray in Macau with thrilling wins Saturday evening.
Banario edges out Ng in Fight of the Night candidate
It can now be said that Honorio “The Rock” Banario is finally back!
After defeating compatriot Vaughn Donayre last May in Manila, the former ONE World Featherweight Champion slugged it out with Hong Kong-ased fighter Eddie “The Magician” Ng, taking a paper-thin decision in a match of the night candidate.
The 26 year old lightweight from Baguio was cut earlier in the bout after an accidental headbutt. He was able to buck this, ending the round strong as he knocked down the Evolve MMA fighter to end the round.
Ng was able to recover in the second round, converting on two takedowns in the round. Ng tried to go for a bulldog coke to end the round but the Filipino was able to kip back up.
With the crowd going insane with the fast paced action by the two warriors, the two exchanged on the stand-up while a huge knee by Banario dazed his opponent. Ng needed to go for the clinch just to gain a breather and was able to secure a takedown. Banario, just like in the first round, landed on a combination just as time expired.
Due to the damage he inflicted in 15 minutes of action, the judges deemed that Banario was the victor much to the delight of the crowd.
The win lifts Banario to a 9-6 slate.
RESULT: Honorio Banario def. Eddie Ng via unanimous decision
Revitalized Folayang makes case for title shot
31 year old Eduard Folayang proved that he should be in contention for the ONE Lightweight crown after a dominant win over Australian Adrian “The Hunter” Pang.
The Hunter became the hunted in the first two rounds as The Landslide unleashed creativity in his strikes, confusing his opponent.
A guillotine attempt by Pang late in the second round was easily escaped by Folayang, landing more punches from his grounded opponent to inflict more damage. The Baguio-native continuously, and furiously, exchanged with the 38 year old Aussie.
“I know that Adrian has a strong chin. He is a true warrior,” Folayang, who displayed and connected on a variety spinning strikes, said. “I appreciate him for giving me this fight.”
A huge right by Folayang surprised Pang to open the final stanza but the latter was able to dodge the ground and pound that followed the knockdown. The grappler was able to sweep the Filipino but could not contain Folayang, who even attempted a kimura lock from underneath. With 21 ticks remaining, the Team Lakay fighter tried to go for a choke but both men were two slippery as the Filipino ended the match on his back.
Pang’s last minute push proved to be too late as all the judges declared Folayang as the winner.
With the win, Folayang improves his record to 16-5, winner of his last two fights. Moreover, he also made his case for a shot at Shinya Aoki.
“I want a championship shot baby!,” he declared.
RESULT: Eduard Folayang def. Adrian Pang via unanimous decision
