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Kevin The Silencer Belingon is determined to prove that he still belongs among the elite of the ONE Bantamweight division. The former champion is gearing up for a monumental battle against long-time rival Bibiano Fernandes at ONE 171: Qatar on Thursday, February 20, inside the Lusail Sports Arena.
This will mark the fifth and final encounter between these two warriors, with Fernandes currently leading their rivalry 3-1. Despite the odds, Belingon is far from backing down. His resolve remains unshaken, and he is eager to showcase his evolution inside the cage.
Over the years, Belingon has faced some of the toughest names in the sport, including former divisional king John Lineker and top-five contender Kwon Won Il. Although recent results have not been in his favor, the 37-year-old Filipino warrior believes he still has plenty left in the tank.
“What I want to prove is that I’m not done. I’m still strong. I can still hit hard. I can still fight. I want to show in this fight that I’ve improved,” Belingon said.
With Fernandes preparing for his last bout before retirement, Belingon sees this as a golden opportunity to make a statement. He wants to ensure that their rivalry ends on his terms by securing a decisive victory.
Belingon understands that his key to victory lies in confidence and a well-executed game plan. He acknowledges the skill set of his Brazilian opponent but firmly believes in his own abilities.
“I have to come in 100 percent confident in my skills and my ability to hang with him wherever the fight goes. I believe I can match him with my own weapons, so it’s all a matter of confidence,” he emphasized.
A calculated approach is crucial for Belingon. He is not looking to rush but rather to exploit openings and take control of the fight. His focus remains on executing his strategy with precision and patience.
“This is definitely my last chance against Bibiano, so I’ll certainly do everything to get this win,” Belingon asserted. “If there’s an opportunity to finish, I’ll be taking it, but I won’t be rushing. I’ll search for an opening and take it from there. The most important thing is to stick to my game plan and dominate this fight.”
As ONE 171: Qatar approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans are eager to witness the conclusion of this legendary rivalry. With everything on the line, Belingon is prepared to leave it all inside the cage, determined to cement his legacy with a final triumph over Fernandes.