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MANILA, Philippines – Although odds are heavily in favor of ONE Championship bantamweight titleholder Bibiano Fernandes, Filipino fighter Kevin Belingon would like to have it his way as both men are set to collide in the main event of the “Dynasty of Champions” card on Saturday, January 23.
The 28-year-old Team Lakay standout is looking to exploit Fernandes, using his Wushu Sanshou pedigree against the Brazilian champion.
Belingon believes that fighting within his comfort zone will give him a better chance of walking out with the gold-plated strap around his waist.
“I know where I can catch Fernandes and that’s in the striking department,” he stated. “[Fernandes] has a great ground game, but I’m working on my takedown defense and I’ll look to hit him with something he won’t see coming.”
(READ: Underdog Kevin Belingon determined to win ONE FC title, says Team Lakay coach)
Fernandes has been the ONE bantamweight champion since becoming the promotion’s official 135-pound kingpin in October 2013 when he outpointed Soo Chul Kim in a title unification bout.
In addition, Fernandes is currently riding high on a 10-fight winning streak and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with an outstanding boxing background.
“I respect Bibiano Fernandes a lot. He’s a great champion, but this opportunity is rare and I plan to make the most of it. I’m coming with everything and I will emerge victorious,” Belingon said.
The 5-foot-5 Baguio City native has had his fair share of highs and lows inside the ONE Championship cage since making his promotional debut nearly 4 years ago, but he is nothing short of leaving a lasting impression.
Belingon, who prefers to clobber a straight right-left hook combination and throw hard kicks at all levels but particularly to the legs, notched a first-round stoppage of Russia’s Yusup Saadulaev in October 2012.
Meanwhile, “The Silencer” thwarted Australian stalwart Than Vu in April 2103 by delivering a head kick and before unleashing a volley of power punches that resulted into a second-round finish.
Belingon scored a highlight-reel knockout of David Aranda Santayana in December 2013 when he uncorked a thunderous left hook that brought the Spaniard’s first ONE outing to a dramatic and decisive close.
Despite his underdog status, Belingon remains optimistic that he can pull off the upset versus Fernandes.
“I’m deep in training with my Lakay brothers and I’m in the best shape of my life for this fight,” he quipped. “There will be no excuses on fight night. By the fight’s end, my hand will be raised and I will be champion.”
ONE: Dynasty of Champions takes place at He Long Stadium in Changsa, China. – Rappler.com
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