Honorio “The Rock” Banario returns to the division he once dominated at ONE: King of the Jungle in Singapore.
The former ONE Featherweight World Champion takes on Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 28 February.
As mixed martial arts evolve and top athletes fill the already-loaded ONE Championship roster, the 30-year-old knows he has to take full advantage of opportunities like this.
“I am just grateful for all the opportunities that [come] my way. I know the results haven’t been favorable, but we’re always looking to improve each time,” Banario said.
“Chances like this do not come often. That is why I plan to make the most of it.”
The Mankayan, Benguet native’s struggles come after a brief resurgence in the lightweight division, where he put together five straight wins. Now, he hopes that dropping back down to his original weight class produces the same results.
“When I moved to lightweight, I felt good. It was really an effective move at first, but soon the weight caught up to me,” Banario said.
“So we decided to move back and try out how I fare here again. Hopefully, with a good result, you’ll see more of me here.”
As if “The Rock” needed more motivation moving forward, he witnessed four of his teammates dominate their foes on the recent ONE: Fire and Fury card in Manila on January 31.
It will not be easy against a grizzled veteran like Wiratchai, but Banario is willing to take on the challenge.
“I am even more eager now to win because I want to continue the team’s winning ways. I also want to show how dedicated I am even during my struggles in the past,” Banario said.
“It will be far from easy against Shannon, but I believe that if you are confident and prepared, a win is attainable.”
Will Banario’s return to the featherweight division be a success? Find out at ONE: King of the Jungle on February 28 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Two-sport World Champion Stamp Fairtex also returns to action when she defends the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Title against Janet “JT” Todd in the main event of the evening.
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