Former World Champion Kevin Belingon Details His Advantages Over John Lineker

Former World Champion Kevin Belingon Details His Advantages Over John Lineker

Former World Champion Kevin Belingon Details His Advantages Over John Lineker

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This Friday night, fans can expect an action-packed affair when former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and current #1-ranked bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines takes on former UFC veteran and #5-ranked bantamweight John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil.

 

The two knockout artists will square off in the main event of ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event from Singapore scheduled for air on Friday, 13 November.

 

Belingon himself is looking to score an emphatic victory, after dropping his last two bouts to the division’s reigning king, Bibiano Fernandes. The 33-year-old ‘Silencer’ from Ifugao says he picked up a lot from his well-documented tussles with Fernandes, and 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, whereas Belingon has built himself a reputation as an explosive wushu striker, particularly with his amazing spinning back kicks.

 

Against Lineker, Belingon however faces an opponent with loads 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.

 

Belingon is excited about the potential clash of striking styles, and has 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.”

 

ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for global broadcast this Friday night, 13 November. Belingon and Lineker compete in the main event, but the Team Lakay veteran will be joined by his teammates Geje Eustaquio and Lito Adiwang who will be competing on the same card.

 

With Belingon and Lineker both looking to score highlight-reel knockouts, one man is going to 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,” said Belingon.

 

Watch the event this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.