I can take Nguyen's right hand, knew his game plan – Kevin Belingon

MANILA - Newly crowned ONE interim bantamweight champion Kevin Belingon once again proved that no one in his division could out-strike by masterfully besting two-division champion Martin Nguyen in the main event of "ONE: Reign of Kings" Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Belingon, 30, had everything figured from the get go as he picked Nguyen apart with explosive punches and kicks to the head and body.

The visiting foe attempted to turn it into a grappling match, but failed repeatedly during the course of five rounds.

"We worked on our wrestling and grappling and it showed during the fight. We knew their game plan would be to take me down so we prepared for that, we trained for that, which is why he wasn't able to take me down inside that cage," said Belingon.

"We've watched his previous fights, he always goes for one or two punches looking for the perfect timing. Speed made the difference in this fight. It was the weapon we utilized to pacify him."

Nguyen was most remembered by Filipino fight fans for knocking out Belingon's teammate and then ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang with a single right hand November last year.

It was the same right hand that Nguyen attempted to land on Belingon. But the Filipino fighter knew it was coming and even felt he could take his power.

"I was waiting for his right hand for me to counter, but it was hard for me to counter because he has good timing. One of his right hands landed but I was able to absorb it," told Belingon. "There was no revenge involved [in beating Nguyen]. For me it's just sportsmanship, go there and show my skills and win the fight." — DVM, GMA News