Kevin Belingon is set to fight Bibiano Fernandes for a fifth time at ONE 171 in Qatar.
Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon himself was surprised to find out that he’d be facing old foe Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes for the fifth time of their respective careers.
Two of the best bantamweights in ONE history are set to collide in a fitting conclusion to their eight-year rivalry at ONE 171: Qatar on February 20, 2025, from inside Lusail Sports Arena in Doha.
The Lions Nation MMA representative admitted that he never expected to face Fernandes again, but given a chance to finish their story with a win, Belingon couldn’t pass up on the opportunity.
“When the fight was offered, of course I was surprised. I never expected to fight him again,” Belingon said.
“But then I thought, I’ll get the chance to settle the score, so I’m truly excited. I feel blessed to still compete.”
But Belingon is guarding himself from getting too excited, knowing how crafty Fernandes can get not only in grappling but with his heavy hands as well.
“I have to stick with my game plan. I don’t want to rush, I don’t want to be careless,” he said.
“We’ll be working on a really solid game plan for this fight, and it’s all about sticking with the game plan.” Belingon also brushed off fears of ring rust. While he hasn’t competed for a long time, he might be the most active among the “Lions” in Baguio.
After all, he took the role of being the designated training and sparring partner for everyone who competed before him.
Belingon shared how he also got to focus on his jiu-jitsu at the same time, making him a more well-rounded fighter in his return to the ONE stage.
“I know it’s been nearly two years since I last competed, but I’m alright. I’ve been really active in training, all of my teammates have been competing, and I’ve always made myself available as their sparring partner. So there’s no worries on my end,” he said.
“I got to focus on my grappling as well with Professor Gibran [Langbayan]. I’ve been working hard on my jiu-jitsu. I’ve joined and won tournaments in my time away from MMA.”