Belingon Ready to Seize ONE Championship Gold
Like
most Filipino mixed martial artists, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon
(13-4-0) of Baguio City, Philippines is working hard towards realizing
his dreams, when his efforts materialize into a world title shot. More
importantly, each one of his victories has presented the opportunity to
live a better life.
This Saturday, January 23,
at the Helong Stadium in Changsha, China, Belingon will receive the
opportunity of a lifetime when he challenges Bibiano “The Flash”
Fernandes (18-3-0) in a five-round battle for the ONE Bantamweight World
Championship.
Since
joining ONE Championship and debuting for the promotion four years ago,
Belingon has had his fair share of highs and lows. He’s had spectacular
wins as well as heartbreaking setbacks, but what’s consistent with the
28-year old’s performances is his desire for all-out action from start
to finish.
And he knows exactly how he’ll approach Fernandes once they are both staring each other down from across the ONE Cage.
“I know where I can catch Fernandes and that's in the striking department,” said Belingon.
“[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."
Belingon’s
first round annihilation of Russian wrestler Yusup Saadulaev in 2012
left fans on the edge of their seats. His second round demolition job on
Australia’s Thanh Vu in a bout immediately after left a lasting
impression.
Who can forget how he dumped previously unbeaten David Aranda Santacana to the mat with one perfectly placed hook to the temple?
Without
a doubt, Belingon’s improving resume certainly precedes him, which is
why he is widely considered one of the most promising Filipino mixed
martial arts talents currently on offer.
There
is good reason, despite Fernandes having not lost a bout in the last
five years and facing numerous high-level opponents, that Belingon
represents the Brazilian champion’s toughest test in recent memory.
Yet despite his definitive underdog status, Belingon knows exactly what’s at stake.
"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,” said Belingon.
“I'm coming with everything and I will emerge victorious."
Along
with Belingon’s rise through the ranks marks the subsequent rise of
Filipino MMA warriors who represent the country alongside him -- stars
like Eric Kelly, who is also close to getting his crack at ONE
Championship gold, and each of Belingon’s Team Lakay stablemates.
With
newly minted ONE Heavyweight World Champion, Brandon Vera at the helm,
things are looking up for the Filipino MMA contingent and it’s only a
matter of time before more opportunities to crown Filipino world
champions present themselves.
For Belingon however, the wait is over and the time is now. All signs indicate he’s ready to seize the day.
Behind
intense preparations, under supervision by Team Lakay coach Mark
Sangiao, Belingon will step into the limelight fully loaded, ready to
come out firing on all cylinders.
"I'm
deep in training with my Lakay brothers and I'm in the best shape of my
life for this fight,” said Belingon, who promises nothing short of
victory.
“There will be no excuses on fight night. By the fight's end, my hand will be raised and I will be champion."
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