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MMA legend Bibiano Fernandes has announced his retirement fight, set for an epic fifth showdown against longtime rival Kevin Belingon at ONE 171 in Qatar on Feb. 20.
At 44, the former ONE bantamweight champion is ready to close the curtain on a storied career spanning two decades. ONE Championship officials confirmed the high-stakes bout, marking a historic fifth meeting between Fernandes and Belingon. This fight isn’t just about settling a score—it’s a defining moment for two fighters whose rivalry has shaped ONE Championship history.
Fernandes, a staple in ONE since 2012, boasts an incredible legacy. He first captured the interim bantamweight title in just his second fight with the organization and defended it seven times, cementing his place as one of MMA's all-time greats. His rivalry with Belingon began in 2016 and has been a rollercoaster of triumph and controversy.
Fernandes dropped the title to Belingon in a controversial split decision in 2018 but regained it in their immediate rematch after illegal elbows disqualified Belingon. The Brazilian solidified his dominance with a title defense in their fourth fight before losing the belt to John Lineker in 2022.
Now, Fernandes enters the cage for the final time, carrying a 24-6 professional record that began in 2004.
For Belingon, the upcoming fight represents a chance to break free from a five-fight skid. Despite setbacks, including two losses to Fernandes during this stretch, the Filipino fighter remains determined to finish strong in what could also be a career-defining bout.
ONE 171 promises to be a night of emotional farewells and intense competition, with Fernandes and Belingon aiming to leave everything in the cage one final time.
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