KEVIN “The Silencer” Belingon (17-5), still hunting for another crack at a ONE Championship title, puts his four-bout winning streak on the line against former bantamweight world title contender Andrew Leone (8-3) from the United States in the main event of ONE: Heroes of Honor at the Mall of Asia Arena, today.
Both Belingon and Leone are hungry to have another shot against the defending ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes. They need to go through each other to secure a chance.
“I know Andrew Leone is a tough opponent and I need to be at my best to win. It’s going to be one of my biggest matches to date,” said Belingon during the press conference at the City of Dreams, Paranaque City.
On the other hand, Leone knows how big this match is for his future. The Bali MMA stud promised to bring his best game and be fully-prepared to take home the win against Belingon.
“Kevin Belingon is a tough guy. He’s a hard puncher and he has power. But I’m not worried about his striking. I’ve faced tough guys before. All I can say is that I’ll be ready.” Leone said
Adding fuel to the fire of the main event is the changes in the environment of the fight. The ONE Championship bout will be held inside a square ring instead of the well-known cage.
Chairman and CEO of One Championship, Chatri Sityodtong stated that it will be the first time for ONE Championship to combine the action and thrill of mixed martial arts with the authenticity of the world’s most elite strikers in the ONE Super Series.
“I am excited to unveil our brand new ONE Championship ring where all the action will take place, as well as welcome the world’s greatest martial artist to the most prestigious global stage of competition,” said Chatri.
Also in attendance are global kickboxing star Girgio Petrosyan and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut of Thailand. The two fighters will go head-to-head in the co-main event of the evening.
The 32-year-old Petrosyan of Italy branded as “The Doctor”, due to his surgical precision in landing strikes against his opponent. Arguably one of the best kickboxers of his generation, he carries a professional kickboxing record of 85-2-2, 2 NC. Petrosyan has been a notable name in Mixed Martial Art due to his incredible six-year 42-bout win streak which is considered as one of the most dominant run in the history.
