The Filipino fighters suffered a rude awakening at ONE FC 9: Rise to Power and they needed to get back in the win column when ONE FC returned for a pit-stop in the Philippines last night. For their fans, at least.

And they duly delivered.

ONE FC 13: Moment of Truth took place on Friday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

The main card was shown LIVE on Star Sports and https://www.onefc.livesport.tv/.

Following an appalling performance in May where the Filipino fighters went 0-5, it was just a matter of time when global fans understood the meaning of “Pinoy Power”. The limelight was on the native combatants to perform this time around.

Criticism of their mat credentials and takedown defense were shoved out the window when the likes of Eduard Folayang (13-4) produced a new, improved grappling game with takedowns.

It didn’t end all too well for Honorio Banario (8-3) in the main event, however, as he succumbed to a second knockout defeat at the hands of Pancrase vet and reigning ONE FC champ, Koji Oishi (25-9-10). The title rematch was greeted with applause and pandemonium at the start, as Banario, a fan favorite, was tipped by many to capture the 145-lbs strap for a second time. But after a methodical start to the fight, it was Oishi who started to get the better of his opponent. In the second frame, he rocked Banario twice with straight rights, but failed to capitalize with more punches. In the third round, though, the 36-year-old caught Banario’s flush on the chin with a huge right hand, sending the Team Lakay native crashing onto the canvas. Then came a few punches for good measure before referee Yuji Shimada stepped in for an intervention.

It was more than just a victory for Oishi. He repeated the same feat in devastating fashion once again, proving to fans and critics alike there weren’t any “lucky shots” in their first meeting.

In the co-main event, Kevin Belingon (12-3) had a night to savor as he became the first fighter to put a blemish on David Aranda’s (9-1) MMA resume. The 26-year-old Team Lakay native took control from the get-go, momentarily backing his opponent up with a beautiful spinning-back kick. And it got even better for the URCC title holder as the first round progressed, when a sweet left hook connected cleanly on Aranda, forcing the Spaniard to fall face-first onto the canvas.

It was an emphatic knockout punch scored by Belingon who once again, established his claim as one of the region’s top 135-lbs fighters.

Other notable bouts:

The South African national anthem was chosen as Colossa’s walk-out song in light of icon Nelson Mandela, who passed away early Friday morning. Needless to say, Colossa (7-4) had a lot riding on his shoulders in this one, but he managed to convert that emotion into a good performance as he topped former Strikeforce vet Caros Fodor (8-4) in a three-round upset. It was a vintage Muay Thai display by Colossa who kept his distance well, landing shots whilst moving backwards. A Muay Thai clinch clinic was also demonstrated by the 31-year-old as he sneaked in multiple elbows and knees almost at will. Fodor tried keeping a fast pace by constantly moving forward and landing punches, and although he connected with a few shots, he never really got going. Colossa’s takedown defense was on point as well, as he picked up a deserved Unanimous Decision victory. This win was undoubtedly a huge feather in the South African’s cap.
Fight fans were treated to the promotional debut of one Dae Hwan Kim (9-0-1), who lived up to the hype with a Rear-Naked Choke submission victory over Australia’s Thanh Vu (3-3). The South Korean, a highly rated prospect, had Vu in multiple bad spots throughout and could have easily garnered a first round stoppage if not for the heart and tenacity of his opponent. The finish came just past the fourth minute mark of the second round as a barrage of punches crippled Vu and sent him tumbling to the canvas. As Kim continued his assault with brutal elbows, he forced Vu to give up his back. The 26-year-old then locked in the choke, promptly forcing a tap from his opponent. It was an excellent performance with no fight jitters, whatsoever.
A crazy 125-lbs battle took place between promotional newcomer Eugene Toquero (4-1) and Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio (5-2), as both fighters had fans at the edge of their seats for fifteen minutes. Toquero, a former PXC vet, was sent from the ranks of the unbeaten as the judges’ gave the final nod to Geje Eustaquio. Toquero’s unorthodox approach had Eustaquio in some bad situations, but fatigue eventually got the better of him as the rounds progressed. Toquero also succumbed to numerous takedowns and mount positions, although he was never really in trouble of getting knocked out or submitted. But the match-up, altogether, was a spectacle as both fighters went back and forth in hopes of attaining a finish.