Kevin Belingon and Bibiano Fernandes. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
SINGAPORE — Filipino MMA star Kevin Belingon didn’t even last a round inside the cage against Brazilian champion Bibiano Fernandes the first time they fought in January 2016.
Don’t expect the same result on Friday night when the two premier ONE bantamweights duel anew in a title unification fight in the main event of ONE: Heart of the Lion at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.
A lot has changed since for Belingon, who has won his next six fights since that submission defeat at the hands of Fernandes.
“I’m more confident this time compared to the last time we fought,” said Belingon, who beat Martin Nguyen on points last July to become the interim bantamweight champion, during a star-studded press conference attended by MMA superstars Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez on Wednesday at Marina Sands Bay Convention.
“I respect Bibiano, I respect his skills, but I trained hard for this match especially with my wrestling and grappling,” he added. “I’m 100 percent confident for the fight and I’m very hungry for this fight. I’m ready.”
Fernandes has ruled the bantamweight division since he unified the title in 2013. He hasn’t been beaten in the ONE stage with a 9-0 record.
The 38-year-old Fernandes is determined to keep it that way.
“He has improved. I’ve watched his last three to four fights but I am ready for him,” Fernandes said.