Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon is looking to put an end to his rivalry with Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes in the most impressive fashion.
The pair are slated to collide for the ONE Bantamweight World Title in the stacked ONE: CENTURY, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.
For Belingon this is the opportunity that he’s been waiting for. The opportunity to reclaim what he thinks should be around his waist, and to put a closure in his classic tug-of-war with Fernandes.
“I’m happy that this got confirmed early cause now I get to prepare for it for a long time to get my World Title back,” said Belingon.
Belingon and Fernandes stood opposite each other for the first time at ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS in January 2016 when the Filipino star challenged the long-time bantamweight champ for his title.
“The Flash” derailed Belingon’s championship aspirations as he was locked up with a wrenching Kimura in the first-round which forced the Team Lakay representative to submit.
Three years later, the two met again at the center of the ONE Circle at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in Singapore in November 2018. This time the more improved Belingon finally captured the gold-plated strap after a close split-decision victory over the Brazilian star.
Last March, they completed their trilogy in ONE: A NEW ERA though it did not end as expected as Belingon got disqualified after hitting his Brazilian counterpart at the back of the head repeatedly.
Belingon admitted that it was a tough defeat to digest, but he pointed out that he took a lot away from it by viewing it as a learning curve.
“It stings, but it did not dampen my confidence and my determination as an athlete. That match taught me a lot of things, and now life goes on, I continue to train and prepare,” said Belingon.
“I know we’ll face each other again and now it’s official. I’ll definitely do everything to win this. I want to finish this match because I don’t want any reasons after.”
Knowing that his legacy in the ONE Bantamweight division is on the line, expect nothing less from Belingon in this match.
“This is the biggest match of my career and I am determined to get the belt back in the Philippines,” said Belingon.
“I’ll certainly prepare for this. I won’t hesitate when I get the chance to knock him out. You’ll see the best Kevin Belingon in this match.”