Kevin Belingon reveals the weaknesses he saw in Bibiano Fernandes

MANILA—Newly crowned ONE undisputed bantamweight world champion Kevin Belingon of Team Lakay revealed the weaknesses he saw in Bibiano Fernandes following his split  decision victory over the latter this past Friday at Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

Belingon, 31, outstriked the then Brazilian champion and escaped the latter's submission attempts en route to a win over five rounds. According to the Filipino, Fernandes is no longer the same fighter he fought from two years ago.

_{Photo courtesy by ONE}

We watched his previous bouts, we noticed he's strong in the first two rounds then fades going into the third. I think he's on a decline because of his age. He was better when I first fought him in 2016," said Belingon.

"When I did ground and pound many of my punches landed on the jaw, but he's tough then came the bell. When the knockdown came, I thought that was it but he was saved by the bell once again. Bibiano is a really tough fighter and can absorb punishment."

Contrary to what Fernandes claimed before the fight, Belingon wanted to prove he's a much better fighter now compared to their first encounter in 2016 when the Brazilian submitted the Filipino in the first round.

"I wanted to prove that my grappling has improved," says Belingon.

"I was also more confident to do ground and pound when I'm in the mount position which was one of the techniques we practiced at the gym. I grabbed that opportunity when it came then unleashed my powerful punches, it's just that he's good at absorbing punches." —LBG, GMA News