Banario defends belt in URCC 20

By Roderick Osis
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

UNIVERSAL Reality Combat Championship lightweight titlist Honorio Banario gets another crack at defending his title in the country’s biggest mix martial arts promotion this coming November 5.

Banario, one of Team Lakay’s champions, stakes his belt in the 155 pounds against a virtual unknown in Patrick Manicad of Yawyan Sports.

“Honorio is ready to go,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Banario’s second title defense will be among the major fight cards in the upcoming URCC event slated next month at the Pasay City World Trade Center with six title events with Colt 45 supporting.

Also seeing action in the event are Jessie Rafols vs Reydon Romero for the bantamweight super-fight title, Igor Subora vs Ryan Pagalinawan (Heavyweight Title) and Nicholas Mann vs Chris Luna (Light Heavyweight Title).

Dexter Mistades vs Froilan Sarenas (Middleweight Title), Pete Brooks vs Mac Sabiano (Cruiserweight Title), Lando Espinosa vs Adam Cacay, Will Chope vs Jerson Estoro, and Rodel Orais vs. Jilmar Tangayan will also see action.

Banario scored his first crown in the URCC by edging former champion and erstwhile unbeaten Angelito Manguray earlier this year via a rear naked choke.

The 5’9 Team Lakay fighter then defended the crown against another Davaoeño in Alcer Lozada.

Banario came up with sidekick right at the smack of the contender Alcer Lozada’s face after 40 seconds of action in the second round.

It was Banario’s fifth consecutive victory in the URCC as he handed Lozada his first defeat in the country’s premiere mix martial arts promotion for a 1-1 win loss record.

Meanwhile, three Team Lakay fighters once again show their wares as they battle anew in the upcoming Pacific Extreme event come November 20.

Jasor Ablasi, Geje Eustaquio, and Crisanto Pitpitunge will once again square off with the country’s best mix martial arts fighter in the Guam based fighting promotions.

Bantamweight Ablasi scored a unanimous victory against Kyle Aguon despite a shorter reach and the lack of height during the PXC 26 event at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila, August 21.

Estaquio knocked out Rogelito Plomeda at the 3:50 mark of round number two in their encounter, while Pitpitunge seemed to have lady luck on his side after Guam’s Alex Castro incurred an injury and failed to continue after the opening round.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 27, 2011.