ONE Championship’s latest event, Kings of Destiny, unfolded Friday night (morning for those in North America) at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, the Philippines. The card featured Filipino lightweight champ Eduard Folayang defending his belt against Malaysia’s Ev Ting. Also in action, Kevin Belingon took on Toni Tauru in the co-main event bantamweight scrap, and lightweight Honorio Banario looked to extend his win streak to four against Czech Jaroslav Jartim. Banario’s last loss? The man challenging for lightweight gold later in the night, Ev Ting.
After some spirited early contests including a great bout between Danny Kingad and Muhammad Aiman, it was Banario who became talk of the night. He wound up taking the victory over Jartim with a crushing KO that many will consider an early front runner for KO of the year. In the second round, a Jartim kick was answered by a straight right to the body, followed by a blistering right hook that sent the Czech fighter to the canvas, head bouncing off the mat. The fighter was removed from the cage via a body board, hopefully for precautionary reasons.
That was followed up by another action packed finish in the co-main event, as Kevin Belingon busted up Toni Tauru with some solid strikes, then chased the retreating Finish fighter across the cage before dropping his opponent. Tauro would eventually verbally submit to strikes.
The main event opened with a fast and furious first round that saw champ Folayang throwing heavy kicks while Ting tried to answer back. In the second, Ting managed to work his way inside and initiate a clinch against the fence, signaling a change in pace. Before long, however, the two were back in the center of the cage, standing and trading to the adoration of the crowd in attendance. They kept the tempo up for a full five rounds that saw Eduard Folayang retain his title.
Full results for the event can be found below!
Main Card
Eduard Folayang def. Ev Ting by Decision (unanimous)
Kevin Belingon def. Toni Tauru via TKO (strikes – verbal submission), Round 1, 2:27
Honorio Banario def. Jaroslav Jartim via KO (punch), Round 2, 1:31
Christian Lee def. Wan Jian Ping by TKO, Round 1, 4:15
Danny Kingad def. Muhammad Aiman by Decision (unanimous)
Stefer Rahardian def. Eugene Toquero via Decision (unanimous)
Xie Bin def. Chan Rothana via submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 1:46
Premininary Card
Gina Iniong def. Natalie Gonzales Hills via Decision (unanimous)
Michelle Nicolini def. Irina Mazepa via submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 2:11
Robin Catalan def. Jeremy Miado via Decision (split)
