Honorio Banario eyes sixth straight victory in Shanghai

They say success is forged in the fires of defeat. For former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario, his re-emergence as a top lightweight contender was sparked during the unlikeliest of times.

The Team Lakay veteran went on a five-bout skid between 2013 and 2015, and was on the verge of retirement when he decided to take a step away from competition to regain his bearings. 

Amir Khan seeks to win bout against Team Lakay vet for teammate-turned-mentor Eddie Ng

Although two years have passed, Eddie Ng’s razor-thin setback at the hands of former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario is still fresh in Evolve MMA teammate Amir Khan’s memory.

Banario crossed paths with Ng in August 2016 on the undercard of ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD in Macau, China, where the latter yielded to the Team Lakay representative in a high-octane contest by way of split decision.

Honorio Banario quotes ahead of ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON

Team Lakay veteran and former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario is scheduled to see action in the co-main event of ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON opposite Singapore’s Amir Khan. The two will lock horns in a three-round lightweight contest on 8 September, at the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai, China.

Before he steps into the ONE Championship ring, let’s check out what Banario has to say ahead of his next big match-up.

Ticket information for ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON is available at www.onefc.com.

Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario found hope in midst of adversity

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario has experienced a career renaissance as of late, putting together a five-bout winning streak after losing five in a row.

After a turbulent period that saw him fall to new depths in his professional stint as a mixed martial artist, Banario pondered retiring from the sport altogether.

However, the 28-year-old Team Lakay veteran was encouraged by friends and family to continue forging ahead.

Honorio Banario Says Renewed Confidence Is Biggest Difference

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario dropped five straight losses following his title-clinching performance over compatriot Eric Kelly in 2013, but has recently turned a new leaf, impressively winning three straight over top flight opponents. A renewed wave of confidence he says is what made a world of difference.

On Friday, 21 April, Banario (11-6) will return to action against tough and durable Australian foe “Ruthless” Rob Lisita (14-9) in a three-round lightweight bout that is being considered an early candidate for Fight of the Night honors.