Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario was the last person to face Lowen Tynanes in the ONE Championship Circle, and he is happy to see his old foe regain full health and compete once more after nearly two years away from the sport.
Sidelined by a string of injuries, the undefeated American returns this Friday, December 18, when he takes on Marat “Cobra” Gafurov at ONE: COLLISION COURSE at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Banario and Tynanes squared off in the first round of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix, where the Hawaii Elite MMA standout won via TKO courtesy of some relentless ground and pound in round one.
Tynanes has not competed since, but Banario still expects the American to be on top of his game.
“He’s a very strong and explosive fighter, plus his striking is improving,” Banario said.
“His strength is always in his wrestling. When he pins you down, he can do a lot of things like ground and pound, or go for submissions.
“The hardest part in facing Lowen is when he takes you down. It’s not easy to escape his ground control, he is very good at controlling his opponent [on] the ground.”
Against Gafurov, Banario expects this match to go down to the wire given both men’s abilities to change the complexity of their bouts the moment they hit the ground.
The Mankayan, Benguet, native still gives a slight edge to Tynanes, though – especially if he imposes his will early.
“This is something to look forward to because they are both good on the ground. I think it boils down to whoever gets tired first,” Banario said.
“I think Lowen will win, especially if he goes ahead first.”
Asked if he’s willing to face Tynanes again if given the chance, Banario answered in the affirmative. However, he’ll only take it if the rematch happens at his weightclass.
“If they give me a chance to fight him again, I will gladly accept but it has to be in my division,” Banario said.
“I think I still have a chance to win if I can defend his takedowns and stay on my feet. I can do many things to him in a stand-up fight.”
Watch ONE: COLLISION COURSE on One Sports or One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT) or on the ONE Super App.
Also, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT on Saturday, December 19.