Matapos matalo nit0ng Setyembre, ang dating ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario ay naniniwala na ang panalo niya laban sa Indian stalwart na si Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju ay isang magandang paraan para tapusin ang taon.
Sa isang laban sa main card ng ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS sa Mall of Asia Arena nitong Biyernes, Nobyembre 23, dinomina ni Banario ang kalabang Indiano sa buong tatlong rounds na umabot sa unanimous decision na ikinapanalo niya.
“That victory was the perfect way for me to end the year right. I split my previous two matches this year, and I told myself that I won't be on the losing end again, especially that I would be performing in front of a passionate Manila crowd. They gave me an extra boost of strength which helped me to secure the victory,” sabi niya.
“There was a moment in my career where I lost five-straight times inside the cage, and I don’t want to be in that situation again. I want to show the fans that I improve every time I compete, and I want to give them a good show.”
“I’m happy to end the year with a win and very excited with the new challenges coming up next year. 2019 is shaping up to be the biggest year in ONE Championship history with the addition of Eddie Alvarez and Demetrious Johnson as well as with the announcement of the Grand Prix,” dagdag ni Banario.
Ngayong darating na 2019, alam ni Banario na lahat ng nasa weight class ay mas pinagiigihan at pinaghahandaan ang kanikanilang gustong titulo matapos ianunsiyo ng ONE Championship Chairman and CEO na si Chatri Sityodtong ang ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix ilang linggo nang nakararaan.
“I look forward to the new challenges that await me next year, it gives me more reasons to train harder every day. Lightweight is one of the deepest divisions in the organization and there are so many great guys all wanting to get to the top. I have to keep winning so I can stay in the mix,” sabi niya.