Team Lakay’s hard-hitter Kevin “Silencer” Belingon is raring to get back at ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes.
But in order to earn a fifth match vs the Brazilian, he has to get through John Lineker on ONE: Inside The Matrix III this Friday.
The 33-year-old “Silencer” from Ifugao says he picked up a lot from his well-documented tussles with Fernandes. Now, he vows to showcase his learnings against Lineker.
“I am totally motivated for this fight since I have not fought in a while, and it would be good to be back in the winner’s column. My last fight against Bibiano was disappointing, but I’ve learned from it. I just have to be more cautious with my moves,” said Belingon.
“I was on a seven-fight winning streak prior to my trilogy with Bibiano. For me to return to that form, I just have to keep the same fire burning, if not fuel it more.”
Both Belingon and Lineker are proven knockout finishers. Nearly half of Lineker’s 32 career victories have ended in a sensational KO; meanwhile, Belingon has built himself a reputation as an explosive wushu striker — particularly with his amazing spinning back kicks.
Against Lineker, though, Belingon faces an opponent with plenty of experience competing at the top. Lineker is a former UFC bantamweight who has faced some of the biggest names in the sport, including John Dodson, Marlon Vera, Rob Font, Michael McDonald, and Ian McCall.
Still, Belingon feels excited about the potential clash of striking styles. And he’s taken the time to carefully dissect where he holds advantages over Lineker.
“I believe I’m quicker than him. I think I’m more agile and have better endurance — those are just some of the advantages that I believe I have in this match,” said Belingon.
“It will be very interesting given our styles, and I plan to keep it that way. At the end of the day, I hope to get my hands raised. I believe my speed and kicks will be to my advantage against Lineker. That could make all the difference in this fight. A win against Lineker will take me a step closer to the belt.”
With Belingon and Lineker both looking to score highlight-reel knockouts, one man will fall while the other will rise. The winner could very well go on to win a date with Fernandes in the near future.
Belingon wants his fans to know he fully expects to win this fight, and to watch out for an explosive, fun showdown between two hard punchers.
“Ever since John Lineker signed with ONE, all I’ve been hearing and reading from the fans is Belingon versus Lineker. Now it’s finally here, and I’m excited for it. Expect fireworks. Expect it to be a good one.”
