Kevin Belingon’s upcoming fight against Martin Nguyen is not just for a piece of a gold-plated leather strap with both fighters are fighting for a place in history.
If Nguyen is looking to add the interim ONE Championship bantamweight belt to his already stacked resume, Belingon is carrying a country’s hopes.
Belingon (18-5) has a chance to make the Philippines the most prolific country in ONE history if he wins the interim bantamweight title making and him the fifth Filipino to hold gold in the promotion.
“The main goal for Filipino martial arts athletes like me is to bring pride, honor, and glory to out country,” said Belingon who will face Nguyen on July 27 at Mall of Asia arena in the ONE: Reign of Kings card.
“This match against Martin on July 27 is another opportunity to hoist the Philippine flag aloft on the world stage of this beautiful sport.”
Belingon could join Team Lakay teammates Honorio Banario, Eduard Folayang, and Geje Eustaquio to hold ONE Championship titles.
Banario became inaugural featherweight champion when he beat compatriot Eric Kelly in 2013.
Folayang then became the lightweight champion when he stunned Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in 2016.
Eustaquio was first an interim flyweight champion in January this year when he scored a unanimous decision win over Kairat Akhmetov and then unified the belts when beat Adriano Moraes in June via split decision.
ONE World heavyweight champion Brandon Vera, the only Filipino title-holder outside of Team Lakay, took the belt in 2015 when he knocked out Paul Cheng in 26 seconds.
“Becoming the champion has been my goal since my career started, it’s a lifelong dream for me,” said Belingon who’s riding a five-fight winning streak. “I need to win my next bout to turn my dream into reality.”
“This is going to be a very exciting match, to take on an elite like Martin, it will only be good for my experience. I look forward to testing my skills against him.”