Honorio Banario Training Efficiently To Avoid Injuries

Honorio “The Rock” Banario will be returning to the biggest global stage of martial arts competition to face “Crazy Dog” Dae Sung Park at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES on August 2 in Manila, Philippines.

Banario recently fell to Hawaiian Elite MMA representative Lowen Tynanes in the first round of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT. 

Eyeing a return to the winner’s circle, “The Rock” has been training non-stop to give another great performance in front of his countrymen. He says his previous outing serves as a lesson, and that he vows to showcase his improvements moving forward.

“I find my match with Lowen [Tynanes] as somewhat bittersweet,” Banario said.

“I did my best in that match but Lowen proved to be the better man that night. He was quick in taking me down and I failed to defend myself on time. I have learned a lot from that match and I will be taking those lessons in my upcoming bout.”

Tynanes, Ariel Sexton, and Timofey Nastyukhin all had to pull out of the high-profile tournament due to injuries. Although he has already bowed out of the tournament, the Baguio City native is training efficiently with his stablemates at Team Lakay to avoid any injury. Banario is one of five Team Lakay athletes preparing for the blockbuster Manila event.

“Coach Mark always plans our daily training menu with our efficiency and safety in mind,” Banario said. 

“Even though there are five of us competing in Manila, we have always been training independently with our partners in the same weight division. We know the pressure coach Mark is feeling with roughly half of his athletes competing on the same night so we also do our part and train diligently.”

The former ONE Featherweight World Champion is eager to get back into action especially with his teammates sharing the stage in front of their Filipino fans.

“This is the perfect opportunity for me to win,” Banario concluded. 

“It is unfortunate that great athletes are getting injured and even though I’m out of the tournament, I will be doing my best to win on behalf of them as well as all the fans who are supporting us in my upcoming match.”

Eduard Folayang Gearing Up For Dream Match With Eddie Alvarez

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will share the stage with American mixed martial arts legend Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez when the two square off in the main event of ONE: DAWN OF HEROES on August 2 in Manila.

Folayang, who has dreamed of a bout with Alvarez ever since “The Underground King” signed with ONE Championship last year, says he is ready for an intense battle with his American counterpart.

“I was very excited when I heard the news that Eddie Alvarez was next for me,” Folayang said.

“He’s one of the most well-known martial artists in the world. In many ways, he’s a legend. Sharing the ring with him is my honor and privilege. At the same time, I don’t plan on backing down. He deserves the best challenge and I’m going to give it to him. I’m here to represent Asia in this battle between the East and the West.”

Folayang is a few months removed from losing his lightweight title to Japanese legend Shinya Aoki at ONE: A NEW ERA. Alvarez was knocked out by Timofey Nastyukhin in his ONE debut on the same card.

Both men are out for redemption and both are looking at making a run at the ONE Lightweight World Title currently held by Christian Lee.

Folayang and Alvarez are two of the most dynamic offensive forces in the sport, and the Filipino veteran expects nothing but fireworks when the two share the ONE Championship ring at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m going to go toe-to-toe with him. It’s going to be a war and a fight for the fans,” Folayang said.

“Everyone’s going to love what we will do in the ring. I think it will be one of the most exciting fights of the year. Eddie always comes to fight and I never back down from a challenge. I’m ready to go.”

The Baguio City native is putting all his focus on his upcoming bout. A win against an exceptional athlete like Alvarez would be a huge boost for his ascent back to the top spot. This is without a doubt Folayang’s biggest test. As such, “Landslide” is ready to turn in his most spectacular performance to date.

“I’m both spiritually and mentally ready for this fight,” Folayang concluded.

“Right now, we’re just polishing our skills, making sure I’m as sharp as possible on the day of the fight. No doubt, this is going to be one of the biggest challenges of my career. I never imagined I would be able to face a really big name and one of the most popular fighters in the world. I have to be on point so I can give a good performance. I have to be accurate and precise with my techniques.”