Banario, Agapito sizzle in URCC

MANILA, Philippines - Honorio Banario and Arnold Agapito overpowered their respective foreign rivals to boost their bids for slots in the Philippine wushu team in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Colt 45 Baguio III tournament held Saturday at the Baguio Convention Center.

Though Banario is more noted for his takedown skills, it was his striking that enabled him to win by submission over Iranian Razi Jabbari. He peppered his veteran rival with deadly blows to win in the first round of their scheduled two-round, 10-minute contest.

One of the rising stars from Kalinga, Apayao, Agapito passed his first test on a high note by scoring a technical knockout (TKO) win over Finland’s Marko Huusansaari in the event presented by Colt 45.

But the third foreign fighter in the tournament co-sponsored by Tribal Gear and backed by Century Bangus, Solar TV and Frenzy condoms turned out to be a big revelation.

American Mark “The Infinite” Striegl broke the hearts of Baguio people by beating Crisanto Pitpitunge of the famed Kayang Lakay gym by rear-naked choke in their featherweight tussle.

Striegl’s victory ended Pitpitunge’s winning streak to two in the mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament which is considered as one of the city’s favorite sports.

Also scoring similar first round victories were Egay Diaz, Adam Cacay, Dario Banario, Jerome Wanawan, Efren Bayongan Jr., Geje Eustaquio.

Diaz pulled off an arm bar submission over Johnny Bitaga while Cacay, Dario Banario and Wanawan also posted TKO wins over Raysaldo Biagtan, Johnson Kayachen and Redentor Saclag, respectively.