MANILA, Philippines - Baguio’s Honorio “Rock” Banario used his vast experience and good timing to score a second round knockout win over Alcer Lozada and retain his URCC lightweight crown in the URCC-Colt 45 Digmaan III at Grand Oases Convention Center in Davao City recently.
Banario was supposed to fight Angelito Manguray in the featured match but the latter sustained a rib injury, forcing the organizing URCC to tap Lozada who surprised MMA fans with his aggressive stand early in the first round of the two-round (10-minute each) contest.
But Banario’s superb striking technique made the difference in the end as he stopped his foe with 26 seconds into the second round of the event presented by long-time partner Colt 45.
The win was the fifth straight for the Lakay MMA star who is being considered to fight in major tournaments next year.
Sharing the limelight with Banario in the event backed by PCSO and Tribal Gear was Isaac Tuling who won the URCC Mindanao bantamweight title over Benjie Lumacad via submission.
Also scoring an impressive win was Jonathan Sumogat who needed only 47 seconds to score a rear-naked choke (submission) over Daniel Solis in the bantamweight division of the event also supported by Frenzy Condom, Chris Sports and Bulls Gloves with Solar Sports, Pinoy Extreme, TFC Bro and Amp TV 46.
Other winners in the eight-fight card were Flash Val Casas (pinweight), Glen Balaba (bantamweight), Orlemer Celeste (feather), Edward Manteza (feather) and Ricardo Sapno (feather). Casas defeated Eric Malusay by submission (guillotine choke) in the first round, Balaba won by TKO over Jhun Del Valle in the first round, Celeste pummelled Marlon Perucho by submission (punches), Manteza downed Armando Cole by submission (rear-naked choke) and Sapno stopped Lorde Rey Yamit by submission (guillotine choke).