From Bully to Belt‑holder: Honorio Banario’s Journey
At 28, Honorio Banario is not just a former ONE World Champion—he’s the living proof that a relentless bully can be turned into a fearless fighter. Before the mat, he spent most of his life branded a “loser” by classmates who enjoyed watching him wobble.
Early Years: The Schoolyard Survivor
- 10‑year‑old kid on the run: “I didn’t want to go to school; it felt like walking into a battlefield.”
- Constant teasing: “Everyone laughed and whispered names behind my back.”
- Self‑confidence hit the floor: “I had no belief in myself and felt lost.”
Those days left Banario feeling invisible and unable to muster even a spark of motivation.
Discovering a New Path: The Power of Martial Arts
Hit the ground in a way only the fiercest can: a martial arts gym became his sanctuary. He says:
“It gave me confidence I’d been chasing for years. I went from shy to outspoken, made friends, and bullying stopped.”
Team Lakay and coach Mark Sangiao catapulted his career forward. He stormed beginnings with a 6‑0 record, winning inside the distance—a testament to explosive skill and relentless training.
Climbing the Ranks: From Filipino Champion to ONE Featherweight Title
- Secured a Filipino title early on.
- Captured the inaugural ONE Featherweight World Title by defeating countryman Eric Kelly in February 2013.
- After losing that title, he didn’t stay down—he pivoted to light‑weight.
Current Momentum
Currently on a four‑bout winning streak, Banario is ready to face seasoned veteran Adrian Pang at ONE: Heroes of Honor in Manila on April 20.
A Message for Young Fighters
Banario’s headline point: “Martial arts saved me from bullying and gave me the power to believe in myself.” He urges kids bragging with sadness:
“If bullying’s got you down, pick up training or any passion that makes you feel unstoppable. Believe in yourself, and anything’s possible.”
As he steps into the ring, his story is not just about belts but about turning adversity into triumph.
