ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes may be the undisputed ruler of a stacked weight class, but Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon (15-5) is seeking a second opportunity to dethrone the king.
The 29-year-old Filipino striker fell to the Brazilian in their initial meeting back in January 2016, but has since fine-tuned his game and vastly improved his grappling under Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.
“I was not prepared to face him on the ground,” the former title challenger acknowledges. “But this time, I think I am ready to face him again.”
Like most athletes, he wants to avenge his most crushing loss, and Belingon seeks redemption. But first, he must continue climbing the ladder.
That climb to the top continues on Friday, 18 August, as he will square off against another contender in Australia’s Reece “Lightning” McLaren (9-4) at ONE: QUEST FOR GREATNESS. The event broadcasts from the Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ever since his loss to Fernandes, Belingon has come back stronger, and is currently on a two-bout win streak, having defeated Muin Gafurov and Toni “Dynamite” Tauru. The Baguio City resident is certainly feeling the positive vibes, and everything that comes along with it.
“My training is going well, and I am improving every day,” he says. “For me, it is always the best and happiest day every time I am in the gym.”
Belingon is extra happy because Team Lakay has become home to some of the Philippines’ best martial artists. For instance, the gym’s prized stable includes reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, former ONE Featherweight World Champion and current lightweight contender Honorio “The Rock” Banario, and top strawweight prospect Joshua Pacio.
“Having champions and successful athletes in the gym inspire me to work harder until I reach my goal, which is to become the bantamweight champion,” he mentions.
“The Silencer” has proven to be a devastating striker in the past. He is armed with a wushu background, and in fact, six of his victories have come by way of knockout. Belingon demonstrated his accuracy and power in his last match against Toni “Dynamite” Tauru at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, where he battered the Finnish ground specialist into verbal submission.
He will need to be careful, however, because McLaren has developed a reputation as an upset artist. The Aussie has surprised fans and critics alike with masterful displays of his talent and perseverance, as illustrated in his victories over Gafurov and Mark Striegl.
Also, McLaren nearly toppled Fernandes in his most recent bout at ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION, just falling short in a narrow split decision.
Belingon has a tough test in front of him, but he knows a highlight reel finish in Kuala Lumpur could be the final step on that ladder, getting him a title rematch against the Brazilian kingpin.
"McLaren is tough and a complete martial artist,” Belingon admits. “I think this is going to be a tough and exciting match. I think a win over Reece will be my way to the title shot, and I am aiming for that.”