Oct 10, 2019

ONE Athletes Preview Bibiano Fernandes Vs. Kevin Belingon IV

Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon are just days away from ending the most intense rivalry in ONE Championship history.

The pair have met three times already and know their opponent better than any other, so their fourth ONE Bantamweight World Title bout at ONE: CENTURY PART II this Sunday, 13 October, could be another close call

Defending World Champion Fernandes has the upper hand in the series so far with two wins to his rival’s one, but like fans around the world, he was dissatisfied with his abrupt and anticlimactic victory via disqualification at ONE: A NEW ERA.

When they meet in Tokyo, Japan, both men will enter the Circle at the Ryogoku Kokugikan with the desire to leave no doubt about who is the better competitor.

Ahead of what is sure to be a competitive match-up, we caught up with some of ONE’s elite athletes to get their expert opinions on how this momentous match-up could transpire at the biggest martial arts event in history.

“The Flash” has plenty of support, but so does “The Silencer” – and not just from his training partners at Team Lakay.

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson – 12-Time Flyweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion

Bibiano is looking to retain his title. [He’s] focused, healthy, and ready to go. Let’s go out there, finish him, and then we can move on to something else – something different, and something fresh.

Danny “The King” Kingad – ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Finalist

I think Kuya Kevin can get the ‘W’ even with the same game plan as before.

It was stopped unexpectedly last time, but I think Kuya Kevin’s best shot at winning against Bibiano is through his strikes, and that’s where I think this match will go. I hope he gets a finish.

Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci – No-Gi BJJ World Champion

In their second match, Kevin did a good job – I watched that fight again.

However, I think in the first and third matches, Bibiano was winning, so I think he will come up with the same game plan, and I think he will grind it out to get the win.

Stefer Rahardian – ONE Indonesia Flyweight Tournament Champion

I do think Kevin will be able to take the belt. It seems that his performance is getting more consistent, so he really does not have any gaps to close.

He’s totally busy when he’s in the cage, and his style is exactly developed to face Bibiano Fernandes. This is what it is to be a fighter – give him more training and bouts, and his game will be more well-rounded.

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen – ONE Featherweight World Champion

I think Bibiano wins this one, but I won’t tell you why…

Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang – ONE Warrior Series Contract Winner

I can see just how hungry Kevin is to get the belt back and be the World Champion again. He really wants to get this win and put an end to the rivalry once and for all.

He has a different fire in him. He’s still his usual self in training hard, but his mindset right now is on a different level.

Agilan “Alligator” Thani – Former ONE Welterweight World Title Challenger

I think Bibiano has this fight. Even on the last couple of occasions, he was almost winning the bout, especially [ONE: A NEW ERA].

I think if Bibiano is cautious of what he’s doing, he might not get the win, but if he performs at his usual capacity, I think he has the ability for a finish. Bibiano knows how to get what he wants against someone as explosive as Belingon.

“Kru Rong” Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke – Former ONE Strawweight World Champion

Whenever they face each other, it is always fun to watch. They are both quick and intelligent in the ring. Whoever runs out of power will lose.

Honorio “The Rock” Banario – Former ONE Featherweight World Champion

Kevin has the tools necessary to knock out Bibiano, so I think he should do his best to avoid the takedowns. Bibiano is pretty good on the ground, and we’re working on the same game plan of defending against those takedowns.

Keanu Subba – MIMMA Featherweight Champion

I’ve got Fernandes winning in the later rounds by submission. Both guys are explosive, but Belingon tends to be careless when he’s swinging wildly, so I see Fernandes taking his back and winning by rear-naked choke.

Eko Roni Saputra – Multiple-Time Indonesian Wrestling Champion

I believe Kevin will win this bout with a close decision. This will be a heated bout, since the two have known each other for so long, and competed against each other multiple times. That has led to their familiarity with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen – IFC Lightweight Champion

They are the two best bantamweight athletes, with fast-paced bouts every time they meet. Bibiano is a more well-rounded athlete, but Kevin’s punches and kicks are also very fast.

Even if he’s taken down, Kevin will be able to rise again. His speed is extraordinary. You will not be able to drop him, or even control him, but still, I see Bibiano winning by decision in this bout.

Amir Khan – Record-Holder For Most KO Wins In ONE

I feel Kevin will beat him. Bibiano might get tired, and maybe he may not want it as much as Kevin this time around. I think Kevin has more hunger and he has the capability to beat Fernandes.

Rudy “The Golden Boy” Agustian – Indonesian Flyweight Champion

Bibiano has undisputed BJJ skills. However, Kevin has anticipated his opponent’s movements well, combined with various counters and good defense.

These elements will create difficulties for Bibiano in their last bout. I predict a win by decision for Kevin Belingon.

Watch PART I in USA on 12 October at 8pm EST and PART II on 13 October at 4am EST
Watch PART I in India on 13 October at 5:30am IST and PART II at 1:30pm IST
Watch PART I in Indonesia on 13 October at 7am WIB and PART II at 3pm WIB
Watch PART I in Singapore on 13 October at 8am SGT and PART II at 4pm SGT
Watch PART I in the Philippines on 13 October at 8am PHT and PART II at 4pm PHT
Watch PART I in Japan on 13 October at 9am JST and PART II at 5pm JST

ONE: CENTURY is the biggest World Championship martial arts event in history with 28 World Champions featured across various martial arts. No organization has ever promoted two full-scale World Championship events on the same day.

The Home Of Martial Arts will break new ground as it brings multiple World Title bouts, a trio of World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and several World Champion versus World Champion matches to the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.