Bibiano Fernandes out to convince doubtful Filipino fans against Kevin Belingon

If Bibiano Fernandes were to decide a few months ago, a fourth bout with Team Lakay's Kevin Belingon is not necessary.

The bitter rivals from Brazil and the Philippines after all, have already shared the cage three times during their mixed martial arts career.

Their third fight last March, however, raised more questions than answers after the native from Kiangan, Mountain Province was disqualified; he landed unintentional elbows to the back of the head.

Photo courtesy of ONE

As both athletes and fans capped that fateful night unhappy with the result, the current ONE bantamweight champion eventually decided to run it back one last time at ONE: Century on October 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

"A lot of people want to see this fight. That’s the reason. The fight is [not] for me, it’s for the fans. I give this fight for the fans – for you guys," stated Fernandes.

"If the [third] fight didn’t end [in that way], I would not care about Kevin anymore, but I believe a lot of Filipinos are not happy. A lot of people want to see the fight."

The highly-anticipated showdown between the two top bantamweights in the world is the first time in ONE Championship history where two fighters are set to compete against each other for the fourth time.

And after all the "time" they have spent together, it is no surprise at all that Fernandes already knows what to expect from Belingon on fight night.

"Kevin is a good challenge. I like that. He has his skills. He throws the right hand, he throws a [fast] kick. Those are the skills he has," said Fernandes.

"I would move forward, but with Kevin, I have to be very smart because I know he likes to catch and run. He waits for the moment, and he throws his right hand, he waits for the moment to do his kick," he added.

"Because of this, I have to be very smart with the way he fights. He’s a good athlete, but I think I am better than him. For sure, I am."

Fernandes, a jiu-jitsu black belt notoriously known for his submissions, is also more confident than ever that he could hang in there with Belingon's striking - especially after he rocked the Filipino former champion with a right hand in their last contest.

"You know what? I’m so glad of the number four, because I keep improving my stand-up against Kevin. I know if I have patience, I can finish him," he stressed.

"I will go to you, and you come for me. I’m okay with you punching me – I have no problem with that – but come to fight! Don’t try to run. I’ll be there waiting for you. Let’s do it. I believe the fans will love it."

After all is said and done, Fernandes reiterated that he is dedicating the bout to all the fans around the globe. He reminded Belingon that they are supposed to entertain the crowd October 13.

"The reason you and me are here right now is to bring the show for the fans," he quipped. "Let it be the best fight of the night." — LA, GMA News