Expect new things from ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belignon as his rivalry with longtime division champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes reaches its climax at ONE: A NEW ERA on 31 March.
The pair are pretty much familiar with each other’s style, especially as they have already faced each other twice in the past.
Belingon first met Fernandes at ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS in January 2016 where he lost by a wrenching kimura in the first round, before the Team Lakay standoutt artist settled the score with a split decision win at ONE: HEART OF THE LION four months ago.
This time around, Belingon is targeting a decisive win in his upcoming World Title defense.
"This time, there will be more surprises for Bibiano. I hope I can implement those and get the win in Japan," he said.
"If the opportunity to knock him out comes, I will take it and not let it slip away again."
Ideally, a striking battle would work in the favor of the 31-year-old Filipino knockout artist, but Belingon is confident that he can keep up with Fernandes wherever the bout goes.
“I will try to keep the fight standing up,” Belingon revealed. “But if we go to the ground, I will not hesitate to grapple with him and submit him.”
While a finish would be the most suitable way to end things for Belingon, he has no qualms winning it by decision again.
But if it goes that way, he promises it to be much more convincing.
"In the event that the fight goes to the judges again, this time I will make sure that it's going to be a landslide decision in my favor,” he declared.
“I have been working very hard to make sure I keep winning, and that I am giving excitement to the fans. My goal is to win all my fights convincingly and be the bantamweight champion as long as I can.”