Baguio MMA fighters set for One FC

BAGUIO fighters Honorio Banario and Rey Docyogen formally made their weight today, Saturday, as they face one of their biggest tests in their mix martial arts (MMA) career for the One Fighting Championship (One FC) event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Banario will headline Asia’s biggest MMA promotion as he battles fellow Filipino and Baguio born Eric Kelly for the featherweight championship match dubbed ‘Return of Warriors’ at the 16,000 seater Stadium Putra.

“We have high respect for Erick but we have trained Honorio for a long time and I think he’s ready to mix it up,” said Banario’s head coach Mark Sangiao of the famed Team Lakay.

Sangiao said they hope the fight would go the distance for a chance against the undefeated Kelly who is now based in Malaysia.

“Pag tumagal ang laban may chance si Honorio na makasilat kaya pinagahandaan talaga namin yung wrestling and ground game,” added Sangiao.

Kelly is an early favorite to win the crown with his impressive nine wins that includes a huge victory against former UFC champion Jens Pulver checked in with a weight of 144.5 lbs while Banario made the limit at 144.8 lbs.

In the main card of the evening, Docyogen checked in with a weight of 124.3 lbs while Japanese Shinichi Kojima weighed in at 124.5 lbs.

Docyogen and Kojima will be an interesting bout considering the Filipino diminutive mix martial arts fighter will debut in One FC after having won all his 10 straight fights in the local promotion Universal Reality Combat Championship.

The 29-year-old architecture graduate will battle a tested Japanese who holds a record of 12 wins, six of which came via submission while two were knocked out but lost five times.

“Rey needs to have a good defense although he will be giving up a slight one inch in terms of height advantage,” said Sangiao.

Six other main cards will also be showcased in the event with two undercards.

Fans from around the world can witness the action online via live streaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. The first two undercard fights are available for viewing free-of-charge and the main card fights will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

Tickets for One FC: RETURN OF WARRIORS powered by Tune Talk are on sale now at www.AirAsiaRedTix.com. Tickets are priced at RM345 for the complete VIP experience that includes exclusive red carpet entrance, access to the VIP lounge and premium cage-side seating. The categories that follow are priced at RM145, RM95 and RM45, respectively. Booking fees and service charges apply. (Roderick Osis)