Belingon aiming to put Lineker’s lights out in clash of top bantamweights
Former ONE bantamweight world champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon is in for one of the toughest challenges of his professional career in what he says will be a “dangerous” fight.
The 33-year-old Filipino, who is ranked the No 1 bantamweight contender, will take on former UFC veteran and current No 5 John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil in his next outing. The bout headlines ONE: Inside the Matrix III, pre-recorded at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and scheduled to air globally this Friday, November 13.
Belingon is wary of Lineker’s reputation as a finisher. “The Silencer” is heading into this bout cautiously, weighing Lineker’s strengths and weaknesses, while crafting a solid game plan with Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.
“John Lineker is one of the toughest fighters I will ever face. He’s not an opponent to be taken lightly. He’s got a lot of experience, and a lot of power in his hands, which is why he is known to end fights early,” said Belingon.
“We have watched his previous fights and we’re confident we can come up with the right game plan for whatever he brings to the table. I have to win this fight to prove that I deserve to stay as the No 1 contender.”
Given the “all guns blazing” style of both fighters, the match-up should be an explosive affair, with viewers advised not to look away even for a second. Both exceed a 40 per cent knockout ratio in their wins, and appear equally matched on the ground.
Belingon say fans can expect the argument to end early.
“You all know how I fight, I fight moving forward. So this is going to be a very exciting matchup. I don’t think this is going the distance, with the way we both attack. I want to put on a good show for the fans,” said Belingon.
“I’ve prepared the same way as for my previous fights. I never underestimate any of my opponents. That’s not a good thing to do inside the Circle. Every fight is dangerous.”
Belingon remains confident ahead of this matchup, and believes a victory will put him in a good position for another crack at the title. He’s spent the past few months honing his skills in Baguio City, despite Covid-19 lockdowns, and even saw the birth of his daughter, Kelsey, in August.
“I’m ecstatic to compete, because it’s already been a year since my last fight. The situation we are in right now has truly affected everyone in the industry. Every fighter, including myself, has had to slow things down a little bit and stay isolated in quarantine so we don’t contract the virus,” said Belingon.
“The birth of my daughter has really added extra motivation for me to succeed. I am fighting to give my family a better life, and that’s a powerful thing.”
