Flash Back: Bibiano Fernandes Sets the Stage
The brazilian sensation, “The Flash”, has bounced back from a foot mishap and is gearing up for his ninth world‑title showdown in ONE Championship. On November 9th in Singapore, he’ll throw down against the interim champ, Kevin Belingon, and try to keep the crown humming in the Bantamweight division.
Why the Fight Sparks a Fire in Fernandes
- Fearless & Curious – He says every bout gets his adrenaline up: “Every match excites me.”
- Style‑Check – Belingon’s got a “power punch, a kick, and a heavy sprawl” that Fernandes keeps on his radar.
- Hurdle Alert – “Only a surprise would be an unexpected jiu‑jitsu attack,” he lights up, confident he can shrug off any grappling attempts.
“I’m itching to see how far I’ve come since the last fight,” Fernandes confesses. He’s back on a mission: proving he remains the king of the cage.
First Encounters and Lessons Learned
Back in January 2016, Fernandes clinched a first‑round submission over the Filipino. Even though Belingon has sharpened his skills, Fernandes feels he still stays one step ahead. He’s not flying blind, comparing the old match to the current outcome: “I finished him in five minutes before; I just took him down and finished.”
Fernandes’ respect for Belingon is clear: “He’s a good fighter, and he improved, but his jiu‑jitsu won’t reach my level.”
Footwork & the Road to Recovery
After a chaotic, five‑round split decision win over Martin Nguyen, Fernandes landed a foot injury from his own kicks. He shelved the bout, let the doctor in Canada confirm a healthy path, and waited for two months before being ready.
He joked, “They line up the interim title for you – that was Belingon versus Nguyen – and I was happy to fight the champion.” The injury caused a pause for the “Situ‑Asian”, giving Belingon an extra time to shine.
Observations from the Cage Side
Watching Belingon’s triumph, Fernandes spotted a pivotal change: a more robust sprawl. He believes the Filipino now bring combinations and weight behind every punch and kick.
“I’m ready for a blockbuster fight,” Fernandes says. “I can handle anything; inside the cage, the action will test all our strategies.”
Takeaway Table
| Factor | Fernandes’ View |
|---|---|
| Stamina | Ready after full recovery. |
| Punch Power | Unmatched in the last fight. |
| Grappling Threat | Hoping Belingon sticks to stand‑up. |
| Sprawl | Big improvement noted. |
With the date set, the anticipation flourishes. Fans can’t wait to see if The Flash continues to dominate or if the Interim champion flips the script. Either way, the punch‑line will be unforgettable!
