Koji Oishi Agrees with Honorio Banario Rematch, but Believes Result Will Be the Same

After going through a stretch where he won just one of five bouts, one-time UFC vet Koji Oishi has gotten his career on track with three wins in his last four fights.

Among those wins is his most recent, an impressive second-round knockout of Honorio Banario to capture the One FC featherweight championship in May.

For Oishi (24-9-10), the win not only meant claiming a championship, but it also achieved a much bigger goal: furthering his development as a fighter.

“I always think that I will become better and stronger every day,” said Oishi. “There is no perfect fighter.

“Banario was a good opponent and I was very pleased to win and become One FC featherweight champion.”

While Oishi’s win over Banario (8-2) the first time may have been a surprise to some, he’s looking to put a definitive stamp on this rivalry when the two rematch on Friday, Dec. 6, in Manila, Philippines.

“I really do not mind who my promotion puts in front of me,” said Oishi. “Banario allowed me to challenge him for the title in my debut and in front of his fans in Manila. Now, as the champion, I will welcome his challenge.

“I think the rematch makes a lot of sense to me.”

Oishi told MMAWeekly.com that he feels the fight will go much the same way the second time around with one notable exception, he feels he’s a much improved fighter from the first time.

“Two fighters will have to do the same fight again even in a rematch,” said Oishi. “I think I am better and I will show that the first time the better guy won.”

A second win over Banario would not only solidify Oishi’s champion status, but it would also be the culmination of a year in which he took his game to the next level and became more the fighter he always wanted to be.

“I will be delighted to finish with another win and it will be the best year of my career if that is how it ends,” said Oishi. “I’m looking forward to even more fights defending my championship.

“I really appreciate everybody in One FC, including my opponent Mr. Banario, all my supporters, my students, training mates, and my family for all your efforts to help me. Come to see our fight or tune in to onefc.livesport.tv on Dec. 6.”