Kevin Belingon: Speed would be key in beating John Lineker

Former ONE bantamweight world champion Kevin Belingon is convinced that his speed would be key in defeating ex-UFC fighter John Lineker.

The pair of explosive bantamweights are set to collide in the main event of ONE: Inside the Matrix III on Friday, November 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“I believe I’m quicker than him. I think I’m more agile and have better endurance – those are just some of the advantages that I believe I have in this match,” said Belingon.

“It will be very interesting given our styles and I plan to keep it that way. At the end of the day, I hope to get my hands raised,” he added.

“I believe my speed and kicks will be to my advantage against Lineker. That could make all the difference in this fight. A win against Lineker will take me a step closer to the belt.”

Belingon, 33, is coming off back-to-back losses against his archrival and current ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes.

He is ranked as the No.1 contender to the title while the unrated Lineker is coming off a unanimous decision win in his ONE Championship debut against Muin Gafurov in October 2019.

Fans and scribes alike have clamored for a matchup between Belingon and Lineker after the latter signed with Asia’s top MMA promotion.

Now that it is here, the Filipino ex-champion vows to keep spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the fight.

“Ever since John Lineker signed with ONE, all I’ve been hearing and reading from the fans is Belingon versus Lineker,” Belingon quipped.

“Now it’s finally here, and I’m excited for it. Expect fireworks. Expect it to be a good one.” -- BAP, GMA News