Muay Thai Fighter Geelong: Ben ‘Catch Deez’ Hanns Goes the Distance at Roots 18
TL;DR: Muay Thai fighter Geelong locals know as Ben “Catch Deez” Hanns represented Carbon Gym at Rebellion Muaythai’s Roots 18 event on 28 May 2022 in Melbourne. Fighting under full Thai rules over three rounds, Ben went the distance against Gun Banlusin and lost a close split decision. Here’s how the fight went, the full video, and what it says about where Ben’s game is at.
Not every fight story ends in a win, and this one doesn’t. But Ben “Catch Deez” Hanns still put on one of the better performances a Carbon Gym fighter has shown on a card outside Geelong.
Ben stepped in against Gun Banlusin at Rebellion Muaythai’s Roots 18, part of a stacked card at the Melbourne Pavilion in Kensington that also headlined Rebellion Muaythai 25. Full Thai rules, three rounds, three minutes each. That’s a serious step up from local shows.
What Happened in the Ben Hanns vs Gun Banlusin Fight?
Ben went the full three rounds with Gun Banlusin and lost a split decision. Two of the three judges scored it for Banlusin, one had it for Ben. It was close enough to go either way, which says a lot about the level Ben brought that night.
You can watch the full fight below.
A split decision after three full rounds isn’t a fight where one guy dominated. It’s a fight where the judges genuinely disagreed, and that’s exactly what this was.
Who Is Gun Banlusin?
Gun Banlusin isn’t an easy name to find on a Roots card. He’s known for traditional Thai pacing and scoring, the kind of fighter who controls a round through rhythm and ring craft rather than forcing exchanges. Taking that style the distance, on the away card, is a genuine result even in a loss.
What Was the Roots 18 Card Like?
Roots 18, headlined as Roots 18: Kaya, was one of Rebellion Muaythai’s biggest developmental cards. It featured 15 professional and preliminary bouts alongside the main Rebellion Muaythai 25 event, including the first-ever 8-man Roots Eliminator at 61kg, won by Conor Goodman.
The card also produced a highlight-reel finish from Carter Lawrence, who landed a clinical elbow for a first-round knockout in the final seconds, plus a hard-fought draw between Domination MMA teammates Isaac and Van in a much-anticipated rematch. Fighters like Daniel Chen, Ben Stenhouse, and Robert Wiley also featured across a card packed with Victorian and interstate prospects.
Ben’s fight against Banlusin fit right into that standard: a technical, well-paced contest that could have gone to any of the judges.
What Does This Fight Mean for Ben’s Muay Thai Career?
A split decision loss against a fighter known for controlling pace and scoring is a solid result, not a setback. It shows Ben can hang with experienced opposition on a big card and make the judges work for their decision.
That’s the kind of experience that gets built on, not written off. Every round against a stylist like Banlusin sharpens the timing and ring IQ Ben brings back to training at Carbon Gym.
How Do Carbon Gym Fighters Prepare for Fights Like This?
Every Carbon Gym fighter follows the same blueprint Ben used heading into Roots 18: dedicated sparring with training partners who push each other without turning the gym into a war zone, focused pad work with the striking coaches, strength and conditioning to hold pro pace for three full rounds, and proper weight management that protects performance instead of draining it.
Train Muay Thai at Carbon Gym
You don’t need to be fighting on a card like Roots 18 to train the way Ben does. Carbon Gym’s Muay Thai program is open to complete beginners through to fighters, with coaches who focus on real technique and steady progress.
Want to see what our Muay Thai classes are about? Grab our intro offer and get on the pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Ben Hanns fight at Roots 18?
Ben “Catch Deez” Hanns fought Gun Banlusin at Rebellion Muaythai’s Roots 18 event on 28 May 2022 at the Melbourne Pavilion, under full Thai rules over three three-minute rounds.
Did Ben Hanns win his fight at Roots 18?
No. Ben went the distance with Gun Banlusin but lost a split decision, with two judges scoring it for Banlusin and one for Ben.
What was Roots 18 in Muay Thai?
Roots 18, headlined as Roots 18: Kaya, was a major Rebellion Muaythai developmental card held alongside Rebellion Muaythai 25 on 28 May 2022. It featured 15 professional and preliminary bouts, including the first-ever 8-man Roots Eliminator at 61kg, won by Conor Goodman.
Is Ben Hanns still fighting for Carbon Gym?
Ben trains and fights out of Carbon Gym Geelong as part of the gym’s fight team, where he’s coached in striking, sparring, and strength and conditioning alongside the gym’s other competitive fighters.
Can I train Muay Thai at Carbon Gym like Ben Hanns?
Yes. Carbon Gym’s Muay Thai program is open to all levels, from complete beginners to competitive fighters, with classes running year-round in Geelong.