Kevin Belingon is battling back to a shot at the belt

Team Lakay’s Kevin Belingon returns to action at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD in Manila on 10 November, and he is looking to book himself into a world title rematch with former foe Bibiano Fernandes.

The 30-year-old Filipino has been part of the ONE Championship family since 2012, after his martial arts skills took him from life in a village to one under the floodlights.

“The Silencer” takes up the story: “I grew up in a small village. My father is a farmer, my mother is a teacher, and I have three siblings.

“My life was like an adventure, because I used to hang out with my friends, and we would always go fishing, hunting, and swimming at the river banks every weekend. Sometimes, I would help my father in the rice field.”

For recreation, Belingon used to take part in the traditional Filipino wrestling style of bultong. It was his first taste of martial arts, and started him on a path to greatness and a career with ONE Championship.

It wasn’t until he discovered the movies of Bruce Lee that Belingon really caught the martial arts bug. Like so many others, the legendary movie star sparked his passion for martial arts

“I used to watch all the Bruce Lee movies when I was a kid, and he inspired me so much that every time I played bultong with my friends,” said Belingon. “I would always try what Bruce was doing in his movies.”

Despite being fascinated by what he saw, it wasn’t until Belingon turned 17 years of age before he took up martial arts seriously. He joined renowned coach Mark Sangiao in Baguio City, as part of what would eventually become known as Team Lakay. When the team officially launched 2006, Belingon was one of the main stars of the wushu-based team.

His 2007 debut kicked off his martial arts career, but things may have turned out differently, as Belingon had also enrolled in a degree course at the University of the Cordilleras studying Criminology. But he maintained his martial arts training throughout his studies, and launched into his sporting career after successfully earning his degree.

“My ambition was to become a police officer, so I went to a university,” he explained. “But after graduating and passing the board examination, I pursued my martial arts career.

“I came from a place where few people went to university so, for me, education is a treasure that is never lost. It is the same with martial arts, because I always have them forever.”

Belingon had a dream start to his professional career, racking up nine straight wins between 2007 and 2011, earning a place in ONE Championship, where he has become one of the organisation’s longest-serving stars.

“The Silencer” eventually worked his way up to a title shot, but fell to a first-round defeat against ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes in January 2016. It’s a defeat that still rankles with the Filipino.

Belingon has bounced back brilliantly since his world title setback, defeating Muin Gafurov, then stopping former title challengers Toni Tauru and Reece McLaren, both in the first round.

His 62-second knockout win over McLaren is particularly notable from a championship perspective, with the Australian having pushed champion Fernandes all the way to the scorecards - and a split decision - in his previous bout.

Belingon says that knockout win represents a true statement of his championship credentials, and says he’s ready for another shot at the belt.

“I feel like my time is here, now more than ever before,” he declared. “I am strong and ready to face whatever challenge is in front of me, and if I can get that title shot, I know I will show much more of myself this time around.”

Before he gets that eagerly-awaited rematch with Fernandes, he has to negotiate the challenge of fellow contender Kevin “Oldboy” Chung at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD.

It’s a challenge Belingon isn’t underestimating, but he’s nonetheless confident of securing another important victory on his journey towards the title.

“I have to continue to give my best and give the fans a pleasing match,” he said.

“I know everyone is craving for action, and I will bring it to my opponent. He is a tough guy, but with the right game plan, I know I can handle him.

“We are working very hard in camp and the bout is near. When the lights go out and the cage door closes, I am back where I belong. Fans will not be disappointed.”