Kevin Belingon dethrones Bibiano Fernandes in Singapore

Keving Belingon defeats Bibiano Fernandes to capture the ONE bantamweight world title in the main event of 'ONE: Heart of the Lion' Friday night at Indoor Stadium in Singapore. PHOTO BY ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

SINGAPORE- A new king in the bantamweight division has been crowned following a split decision victory by Team Lakay's Kevin Belingon over Bibiano Fernandes to capture the ONE bantamweight world title in the main event of 'ONE: Heart of the Lion' Friday night at the Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

Belingon landed the first strike with a spinning side kick that landed on the mid-section. Fernandes looked for a takedown early and was able to take the fight to mat for a brief moment. Belingon, however, was able to get back up and punish the Brazilian with his strikes.

Fernandes wobbled Belingon with a clean right hand in the second round then followed it up with a successful takedown. After a failed armbar attempt from Fernandes, the Filipino striker rained down punches that badly hurt the former.

They fought on their feet in round three with Fernandes throwing his right hand and Belingon with his kicks and jabs. It was the Brazilian who applied pressure, but Belingon outlanded him with jabs and leg kicks.

Fernandes scored an early takedown in round 4, but Belingon was yet again able to get back up on his feet. A monstrous right hand dropped Fernandes in the dying seconds on the round only to get saved by the bell.

A visually tired Fernandes kept moving forward in the final round, yet seemingly had nothing to offer against the Team Lakay fighter, who outlanded him in strikes for five minutes. After five five-minute rounds, Belingon was declared the winner by split decision.

Belingon's biggest win to date improved his record to 20-5 while the loss snapped Fernandes' seven-year winning streak as he fell to 22-4. — BAP, GMA News