ONE: Belingon wants 5th crack at Fernandes before pursuing Nguyen

FILE – Kevin Belingon vs Bibiano Fernandes. Photo from ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines — Former undisputed bantamweight champion Kevin Belingon’s plan to move up to featherweight and challenge reigning champion Martin Nguyen will have to wait.

First things first and the Filipino martial arts star remains keen on settling a score with a fifth fight against longtime rival Bibiano Fernandes.

“Let’s get one thing clear. Right now, my mind is on getting another shot at the bantamweight belt. That’s where my main focus is,” said Belingon.

“I just feel I have unfinished business here. I’m looking at another fight with Bibiano, and I’m willing to go through anyone to get it.”

Belingon and Fernandes have already fought four times since 2016 with the Brazilian ace victorious thrice, including their last meeting nine months ago in Japan where he won via second-round submission to retain the bantamweight belt.

The Team Lakay veteran’s only win of the series was when he momentarily knocked Fernandes’ off his perch with a split decision victory in the second bout back in 2018.

The third encounter abruptly ended in controversial fashion after Belingon got disqualified in the second round for hitting Fernandes with illegal elbows to the back of the head.