MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Belingon believes defeating Reese McLaren will bolster his chance for a rematch with Bibiano Fernandes.
Belingon and McLaren are set to face off in ONE Championship’s “Quest for Greatness” in Kauala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 18.
“I believe I will face Bibiano Fernandes if I can defeat Reece McLaren impressively. My dream of finally becoming a world champion is still there. It still lives in my heart,” the 29-year-old Filipino said.
“My upcoming bout is another journey to elevate my status as a contender for the title,” Belingon added.
The fighter out of Baguio City had his chance to dethrone Fernandes early in 2016, but he succumbed to the Brazilian’s submission prowess — by way of a Kimura lock — early in the opening salvo.
Belingon was only able to return to the ONE cage in October later that year. He fought Muin Gafurov and won via unanimous decision. He then went on to knock out Toni Tauru in the card here April earlier this year.
And with McLaren on the horizon, Belingon is confident and equally cautious.
The Australian fighter, after all, also challenged Fernandes for the bantamweight strap.But Belingon said he will be ready — and he is looking at his work ethic as the primary boost in his upcoming fight.
“Through the years, improvement has been the key to my success. I am ready for Reece McLaren,” he said. “As a competitor, I have to keep on learning and adapt to changes in this forever-evolving sport."
The Team Lakay ward is currently touting a record of 15-5-0 as a pro. McLaren, for his part, is 9-4-0.
“My initial goal is to continue winning until I get closer to the title and become a champion,” Belingon said." — Denison Rey A. Dalupang
