Danny “The King” Kingad and Honorio “The Rock” Banario will join Geje Eustaquio to represent Team Lakay, and the entire Philippines in this case, in ONE: Hero’s Ascent next Friday, January 25, 2019.
Kingad is scheduled to face another Japanese, Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada while Banario will square-off with Lowen Tynanes in a quarterfinals match that will kick-off the eight-man tournament ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix in the event that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 30-year old Wada will be appearing in just his third ONE bout. He previously trotted his wares mainly under Deep, a Japan-based mixed martial arts promoting and sanctioning organization.
He lost to Reece McLaren via a split decision in his first ONE fight last July but cameback strong in the second, submitting Filipino Eugene Torquero in just 52 seconds by a rear-naked choke last November.
He carries a 20-9, with 2 draws and 1 no contest, career fight record going to this bout. He has 5 knockouts and 5 submissions to go along with them.
Kingad is fresh of an unblemished performance in three 2018 bouts. He registered wins over Sotir Kichukov, Ma Hao Bin, and Yuya Wakamatsu.
That immaculate slate improved his career resume to 8-1, only losing to Adriano Moraes in 2017. He has a kayoe and a submission in those eight wins.
On the other hand, Tynanes will be appearing in his fourth ONE bout. His last appearance was on April 15, 2016 when he recorded a unanimous decision victory over Koji Ando that prelude a more than 2-year layoff.
Before the undefeated American started his extended spell on the sidelines, he was considered to be one of the most talented athletes in the lightweight division.
He carries an unblemished career record, winning nine straight bouts that includes two knockouts and four submissions.
Among his victims was Banario’s training partner, Eduard “Lanslide” Folayang. He TKO’ed Folayang when their Universal Reality Combat Championship bout on December 1, 2012 was ended by a doctor stoppage in the first round.
Banario is 2-1 last year while facing some formidable opponents. His decision wins over Adrian Pang and Rahul Raju sandwiched a rear-naked choke loss to Amir Khan. The loss was the only dent on his hot winning run, bagging six of his last seven fights
Banario previously held the ONE Feathwerweight Championship belt. He compiled a career fight resume of 14-7 that includes 5 knockouts and 5 submissions.
Meanwhile, Robin Catalan joins Joshua Pacio and Edward Kelly as representatives of the Philippines during ONE: Eternal Glory in Jakarta, Indonesia this Saturday, January 19.
He is penciled to fight Indonesian Stefer Rahardian in the main card.
Rahardian carries an 8-2 career record that includes five submissions coming into the fight.
Catalan is 8-4 in his career. He has two knockouts and three submissions.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS
Banner file photo by ONE Championship