Kevin Belingon reflects on loss to John Lineker, admits he lost focus in executing game plan

Former ONE bantamweight world champion Kevin Belingon is disappointed with himself with how he performed against former UFC fighter John Lineker.

The pair of hard-hitting bantamweights locked horns in the main event of ONE: Inside the Matrix III last Friday, where Lineker emerged victorious by way of second-round technical knockout—marking Belingon’s first loss via stoppage.

“It wasn’t my night. That wasn’t like me fighting in there, I lost my focus in executing the game plan,” Belingon told GMA News Online.

“I wanted to take him down, mix it up, but lost the thought of it during the fight and all I wanted to do was punch. I was watching the video, that wasn’t me. I don’t move like that. Hopefully, I get to fight him again in a rematch.”

Belingon conceded that Lineker, touted as “Hands of Stone,” indeed carried dynamites in his hands. Something that he felt as early as the opening round.

“He has heavy hands, he packs a punch. I felt it in the first round,” said Belingon.

“I need to review the fight and spot my weaknesses so I can improve it. We'll have a meeting with coach (Mark Sangiao), review the fight then fix everything in training.”

The loss is certainly bound to take the No. 5 rated Lineker up the ladder while Belingon, the number one contender to Bibiano Fernandes’ ONE bantamweight world title, will surely move a few spots down.

Belingon however remains in good spirits, eager to bounce back from his latest setback as he tells GMA News Online that he is ready to face any ranked opponent in the 65.8 kg division.

“I’m hoping to get a fight soon against anyone in the top 5 because I want to get back in the cage with Lineker. I am not satisfied with my performance at all. I am disappointed.” – RC, GMA News