Kevin Belingon still has Bibiano Fernandes in his crosshairs

Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon will be the first to admit to his shortcomings after ending 2019 winless.

But that does not mean he plans to stop his pursuit for gold.

Belingon lost twice to Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes in 2019. Their rivalry suddenly turned lopsided with the Brazilian winning three of their four matches.

The latest came at ONE: Century Part II, where the “The Flash” scored an impressive second round submission win.

“I really prepared for that match, but his jiu-jitsu was just so good and that’s why he got the submission. He knows that he will struggle against me on the feet, and that’s why he was so adamant in getting the takedown in that match,” Belingon said.

“I hope they give me an early fight next year. I plan to stay in the bantamweight division because I am still confident of my chances in becoming a World Champion there once more.”

While some would just willingly accept their fate after repeated losses, “The Silencer” refuses to quit.

Belingon still has Fernandes in his crosshairs and he plans to keep on winning in the division until a fifth match between the two becomes inevitable.

“That’s not the end of it,” Belingon said.

“I am back in the gym to prepare for my next matches and in the near future (Bibiano and I) will face each other again, if he’s still the champion or he doesn’t retire.”

While their rivalry may have once been heated, it has then cooled down after Fernandes’ latest win.

The Brazilian even invited Belingon to his gym in Canada to train with him and work on his grappling – probably the only remaining chink in the Filipino juggernaut’s armor.

“The Silencer” appreciated the offer, but he would rather hold that off until one of them retires or changes division.

“We talked for a bit after Japan, but nothing specific. My friends were joking around, saying that Bibi should help me in BJJ, but there’s nothing official yet,” Belingon said.

“I am flattered and thankful by his offer to help, but maybe not now because he is still the current champion and we’re both still active, so maybe that will have to wait.”

In the meantime, ONE Championship returns to martial arts action on January 10 for ONE: A New Tomorrow at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Catch all the action live and for free on the ONE Super App.

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