Leone ready for Belingon: I’m going to strike with him

Andrew Leone.

American fighter Andrew Leone is wary of Filipino star Kevin Belingon’s striking ability but he’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe when they meet on Friday in the main event of ONE: Heroes of Honor at Mall of Asia Arena.

Leone, a Brazilian jiujitsu black belt, plans to take the fight on the ground but says it would only happen if he and Belingon engages in a stand-up battle first.

“I’m going to strike with him,” Leone told Filipino reporters Tuesday during a kick-off press conference at City of Dreams Manila. “I’m going to set it (takedown) up but it’s not gonna come down without strikes.”

But it’s not going to be easy against Belingon, who has been on a resurgence having won his last four fights, two of which ending in the first round.

Many had tested Belingon’s striking and most had failed. Leone hopes to from Belingon’s past opponents and not commit their mistakes.

“I’m going to try to learn from their past failures and do my best,” said Leone.

Leone and Belingon will be fighting inside a five-rope ring instead of the usual MMA cage.

The 28-year-old Leone admits Belingon has the edge in fighting inside a ring, though he believes being in a different battleground won’t serve as a determining factor in their bout.

“There are positives and negatives. I don’t believe it will affect the outcome,” he said. “This is my fourth fight in the ring. Kevin has more experience inside the ring and it’s a great opportunity for me.”