FOR Kevin Belingon, there’s no other way but a rematch with Bibiano Fernandes.
Belingon earned the right to face Fernandes after masterfully edging two-division champion Martin Nguyen which also earned him the interim One Championship bantamweight world title.
With the victory, Belingon improves his mixed martial arts record to 19-5, and hopes to fulfill of meeting Bibiano for the second time again this year should the reigning champion returns from injury and is healthy enough to compete.
“My friend, Bibiano,” Belingon said to the Brazilian inside the cage following his victory. “I respect him as a champion, but we are in the same weight class, and I am the top contender, so there is no escape in facing me. I hope you recover fast, and that we can make the fight this year.”
Ever since losing to Fernandes for the bantamweight crown in January 2016, Belingon has won six consecutive matches, routing the best contenders that the division has to offer including his recent bout with Nguyen where he scored a unanimous decision.
After fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a champion, Belingon has become a well-known sports superstar in the Philippines which opened up many doors of opportunity, not just in his personal life, but also the chance to give back to the Filipino people who have supported him throughout his career.
Belingon and his brothers at the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City always relish opportunities to participate in activities in their local community, especially if that means working with the youth.
“We join outreach programs in Baguio City, which I particularly enjoy working with and encouraging youth to gravitate towards sports rather than to bad vices,” said Belingon.
“I remember when I first discovered martial arts and fell in love with it. It completely changed my life and led me down a path of continuous self-improvement. I want every kid to have that experience, to have that opportunity, especially the less fortunate. Falling into bad vices should be avoided because it ruins lives,” adds Belingon.
One of the key values of martial arts, and one that it teaches in the early going, is compassion. Compassion is the concern for and the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Belingon, who was raised from very humble beginnings, says compassion played a major role in his upbringing.
“Whenever I see the look in children’s eyes, the innocence, it gives me a sense of responsibility to protect that innocence and help teach them good values,” said Belingon.
“We visit schools, we hold talks and outreaches. This is part of my career and it is a big privilege for me to give back. It makes me happy and feeds my soul. You always see us training very hard in the gym, working tirelessly to become the fighters we are today. But there is so much more to martial arts than just fighting. We make sure to take the time to share with the kids the other benefits of martial arts.”
Belingon is, of course, no stranger to the Filipino fighting spirit. Many Filipinos across the country are facing the effects of extreme poverty, limited access to basic medical care, and struggle finding food to eat on a daily basis.
The 30-year-old says he will do whatever he can to help his countrymen.
“Competing in the cage is just a small part of what I can do, but it’s a very important part nevertheless,” said Belingon. “As a martial artist, this is valuable to me. Helping my people feeds my soul. It’s one of the things I enjoy the most about being an athlete, and I will never take it for granted.” (Roderick Osis)