Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon: Ready to Reclaim the ONE Bantamweight Crown
At just 17-5, Filipino fighter Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon is gearing up for what he believes will be a decisive tilt at the ONE Bantamweight World Title. The Baguio City striker has set his sights on a second shot at glory, hoping that a bang‑on performance at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR will sway the decision-makers to clear him for the next title run.
The Upcoming Clash
- Friday, 20 April – The fight is slated for the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines.
- Opponent – Former title hopeful Andrew Leone (8‑3).
- Why It Matters – Belingon and Leone are two of the division’s finest exponents: Belingon’s striking prowess versus Leone’s grappling mastery.
In a candid interview, the 30‑year‑old stated, “I know what’s at stake here, and I know I have to beat Andrew Leone to get another shot at the title. I have to keep giving fans everything they want, leaving nothing to chance. Hard work pays off, and the title is within reach!”
Seeking a Rematch with the Champion
Belingon’s goal is a rematch with Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, the current ONE Bantamweight World Champion who won a split decision over Martin Nguyen at ONE: IRON WILL on 24 March.
- Two Years Apart – After his first bout with Fernandes, Belingon felt he wasn’t fully ready, admitting, “I had a lot to learn,” and “it was awful to lose after all the hard work.”
- Renewed Determination – “Now, after that loss, I wanted nothing more than to get back in there and do things differently,” he added.
Team Lakay’s Tactical Shift
Post-defeat, Belingon’s coach Mark Sangiao of Team Lakay pivoted the training focus. The team, known for striking, had room to grow on the ground. They amplified wrestling and grappling practice, aiming to round out the athletes’ skill sets.
“I didn’t have much ground experience, but after honing my wrestling and grappling over the past few years, I’ve improved dramatically,” Belingon says. “This refined grappling lets my striking shine even brighter.”
Recent Resurgence
Since the tactical overhaul, Belingon has been on a tear:
- October 2016 – Outpointed Muin Gafurov.
- Last Year – Stacked back‑to‑back first‑round knockouts over Toni Tauru and Reece McLaren, then dominated Kevin Chung in November.
- Results – A string of victories that showcases his growth and power.
Ready and Determined
“I’m ready to face the champion. More than ever,” Belingon declares. “Becoming world champion has been my goal from the very start, and it hasn’t changed. That’s why winning my next match matters—to keep that dream alive.”
Takeaway
If you’re cheering in the crowd or watching from home, it’s clear: Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon wants to silence the doubts and reclaim his place at the top of the ONE Bantamweight division. Stay tuned for Friday’s showdown—this is one that promises drama, skill, and maybe a bit of redemption.
