Fernandes to defend ONE title against McLaren in Manila

Bibiano Fernandes (uL) of Brazil and Toni Tauru (R) of Finland fight during the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) One Championship in Yangon on July 18, 2015. Bibiano Fernandes won the match and defending Bantamweight world championship title. AFP PHOTO / Ye Aung THU / AFP PHOTO / Ye Aung Thu

BAGUIO – Bibiano Fernandes makes his return to the country as he defends his ONE Bantamweight Championship against Reece McLaren at ONE Championship: Age of Domination on December 2 at Mall of Asia Arena.

Loren Mack, ONE Championship vice president for public relations, confirmed the development as the Manila card continues to get more stacked.

The Brazilian Fernandes (19-3) has kept the title since winning it in Manila back in 2013. His latest defense came at the expense of Filipino Kevin Belingon last January.

Meanwhile, the Australian McLaren (9-3) had strung four straight wins to put him in contention for the title fight.

Brandon Vera is set to defend his ONE Heavyweight Championship in the main event against Japanese challenger Hideki Sekine.

Five other Filipino fighters from Team Lakay will hit the cage in the Manila fightcard, led by former ONE Featherweight Champion Honorio Banario and Geje Eustaquio.