In a legendary clash between two former world champions in mixed martial arts’ bantamweight division, Filipino Kevin Belingon is preparing to face his old rival, Brazilian Bibiano Fernandes, in a fifth and final showdown at the ONE 171 (ONE 171: Qatar) event by ONE Championship, which will take place on Thursday, February 20, at the Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
With a previous head-to-head record favoring Fernandes (3-1), Belingon aims to seize this last opportunity to even the score, before his veteran Brazilian rival, aged 44 with an impressive professional record (24-6), retires.
Belingon, aged 37, acknowledges that his recent losses were due to straying from the fight plan, a mistake he does not intend to repeat.
He said, “I must stick to the fight plan. I don’t want to rush or be reckless. We have a solid plan, and I will follow it.”
While focusing on executing the strategy precisely, Belingon also aspires to end the fight decisively.
He added, “I don’t want to leave the decision to the judges. I will look for the right opportunity to finish the fight clearly.”
This match is not just an ordinary bout but an opportunity for both to settle their long-standing rivalry in ONE Championship. Who will emerge victorious? Tune in to the event broadcast live from the Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20, at 5:00 PM Mecca time.
