Banario ready to rumble in URCC 20

PRESERVING his unbeaten streak and lightweight belt, Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario will go out Saturday night in the URCC-Colt 45 XX event at the World Trade Centre in Pasay City.

Gunning for his untainted sixth mix martial arts victory, Banario will also stake his lightweight crown for the second time, this time against Patrick Manicad in the 10-fight schedule of the country’s largest MMA promotions.

“Since maganda yung conditioning ni Honorio, we will try to push the fight against Manicad,” said coach Mark Sangiao in a text message Friday.

Prior to the fight night, Banario was able to make it the 159 lbs but will give away at least three inches of height against the six-foot-one Manicad of Prizefighter MMA.

“Yung kalaban nya kasi is more of a stand up fighter because of his background as a muay thai fighter kaya subukan naming kunin sa ground,” added Sangiao.

Also featured in the URCC event is Ryan Palinawan of Hybrid Yaw Yan battling Ukrainian Igor “Sugarfree” Subora for the vacant heavyweight crown in the event co-presented by Tribal and backed by Frenzy Condoms, Chris Sports, Anzahl Paints, Yoshinoya, VRP Medical Center and World Trade Center.

Aside from the Palinawan-Subora match, the four other title bouts in the 10-fight affair also feature the Superfight between interim bantamweight champion Jessie Rafols and top featherweight contender Red Romero.

Also on tap are the grudge showdown between Australian Nicholas Mann and Deftac’s Chris Luna for the vacant URCC light-heavyweight clash, while Froilan Sarena is staking middleweight title against Dexter Mistades.

Tickets (P300, P500 and P1,200) for the event also backed by Solar Sports, 99.5 RT, Synermaxx and Pinoytuner as media partners are now available at Ticketworld (891-9999) or go online at www.ticketworld.com.ph. First fight starts at 7 p.m.