By Dan Paulo Errazo

Honorio “The Rock” Banario was disappointed he couldn’t derail undefeated American Lowen Tynanes and hand him the first loss of his career.

Banario and Tynanes were the first athletes to compete in the quarter-final round of the inaugural ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix that took place last 25 January at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

Tynanes ended the bout quickly in the first round by way of technical knockout, eliminating the former ONE Featherweight World Champion from the race.

After the bout, the Baguio City native thinks that Tynanes’ long leave of absence in the cage changed his dominating style compared to his performances a few years back.

After experiencing Tynanes’ power firsthand, Banario believes the Hawaiian isn’t the same monster he was a few years ago.

“I think he’s not as powerful as advertised. He’s not heavy on the ground when he comes to pin, but he positions himself really well,” Banario said in an interview with inquirer.com.

“He’s the same fighter who fought Folayang in 2012. He’s excellent, but may have already reached his full potential.”

Banario, being a Wushu Champion like his Team Lakay brothers, wanted to test Tynanes’ stand-up game. His powerful strikes, however, did not seem to faze the American athlete.

A few moments into the bout, Tynanes showcased his world-class wrestling skills as he took Banario to the mat and transitioned into side control, trapping Banario’s arms as he slipped into a mounted crucifix position.

Virtually defenseless, Banario was on the receiving end of Tynanes’ elbows and fists. Seeing that Banario was no longer able to defend himself, the referee put a stop to the match with 14 seconds left in the first round.

Banario feels that he would not have been dominated if he was able to break free from the mounted crucifix.

“I think we’re even when it comes to jiu-jitsu. In my case, I got caught in a crucifix. He has a great ground game, but it can be escaped from,” Banario said

Tynanes has secured his spot in the semi-finals of ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. He will face the winner of the next quarter-finals matchup between Eddie “The Underground” Alvarez and Timofey Nastyukhin, set for ONE: A NEW ERA on 31 March in Tokyo, Japan.

Tynanes has met the current ONE Lightweight World Champion and Banario’s stablemate, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, back in 2012 where he was victorious, ending the bout in the first round by way of technical knockout.

Tynanes may possibly meet Folayang once more if in the event he wins the entire Grand Prix, given that Folayang would be successful in defending his title against Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki in Japan.

Banario believes that with his experience with Tynanes, Folayang will win against the Hawaiian if ever they cross paths.

“He (Tynanes) barely landed a punch on the feet. Should he fight Eduard Folayang again we must focus on wrestling defense,” Banario concluded.