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Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon is urging his followers and friends to not write him off simply but.
The previous ONE Bantamweight World Champion has endured the hardest stretch of his professional profession, falling twice to reigning divisional king Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and struggling his lone knockout loss towards #1 contender John “Fingers of Stone” Lineker final outing.
Now, #2-ranked Belingon desires to place these setbacks behind him by defeating one other onerous hitter in “Fairly Boy” Kwon Received Il of their co-main conflict at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II on Friday, 17 December.
As he arrives at a crossroads in his blended martial arts journey, the Filipino famous person says the trio of defeats – his solely losses since 2016 – have solely impressed him to show the doubters unsuitable and make one other push towards the divisional gold.
“I’m prepared. I’ve ready effectively. My confidence is unshaken. I really feel even after that loss that my confidence in myself stays robust,” Belingon says.
“I really feel like I’m loads stronger, actually. I’m solely hungrier and extra decided to bounce again after these losses. I’m nonetheless motivated. The fireplace remains to be there.”
As a lot as redemption is on his thoughts, it’s not the one factor pushing “The Silencer” by means of a troublesome struggle camp for this pivotal showdown with Kwon.
He’s been given much more impetus from the delivery of his first daughter, Kelsey, who’s now 1 12 months outdated.
“I’m really motivated now. I’ve a child to assist, and that’s the place the added fireplace and confidence stems from,” Belingon says.
“In case you have a struggle, after which you concentrate on having a household again house who’s there for you, you actually wish to do effectively for them.
“That’s the distinction between being a single man to being a father and a husband. I believe we will say that it is a new begin for me.”
Today, the veteran of 28 MMA bouts is trying forward with a recent perspective and a few extra expertise.
Earlier than going through Lineker, Belingon had gone by means of just about the whole lot in his lengthy and illustrious profession – other than being knocked out. It was a troublesome capsule to swallow, however he took classes away from the consequence.
In fact, the Filipino has administered his justifiable share of knockout blows, and he doesn’t consider being on the receiving finish for as soon as means he’s out of the image.
Belingon desires to point out that his stand-up expertise are nonetheless robust sufficient to topple anybody within the stacked bantamweight ranks, together with a fast-rising star in Kwon.
“I wish to show that I’m a greater striker than Kwon Received Il. I wish to present the people who Kevin Belingon is way from achieved and I nonetheless have yet another run in me on the World Title,” the 34-year-old says.
“I don’t wish to belittle Kwon Received Il as a result of he has good arms and nice boxing, however I believe I’ve much more in my arsenal. I consider my putting is best however I’ve to be aware of his punches. We now have a recreation plan ready for him.
“However extra so than [fighting for] the popularity as a lethal striker, I’m extra involved about defending my place within the rankings. Proper now I’m nonetheless at quantity two and I’ve to win with a purpose to hold that.”
Given {that a} victory is the first goal, “The Silencer” gained’t rule out different strategies of getting previous the South Korean slugger once they face off contained in the Circle.
“I’m positive this match might be explosive on the ft, however don’t be shocked if I take it to the bottom,” he says.
“If I can win by submission why not, proper? I don’t suppose I’ve a submission win in ONE ever, so if that chance comes then I’ll be going for it.”
In the meantime, Kwon has surged by means of the ranks, scoring victories together with his concussive putting and making daring proclamations about his future within the promotion.
The 26-year-old gained’t make it simple for Belingon to reverse his fortunes, however the Staff Lakay stalwart has the instruments and data to cease “Fairly Boy” in his tracks if he can return to peak type.
That’s definitely “The Silencer’s” greatest focus proper now – and an enormous activity – although the competitor inside him can’t assist however yearn for revenge towards his newest foe.
“That is such an essential bout for me. I’ve been dropping, I haven’t been performing to my commonplace so I actually should get again to my outdated self and return to the successful column,” Belingon provides.
“I wish to win, and I wish to end Kwon, whether or not it’s KO, TKO, or submission. I count on struggle. I count on fireworks. This might be an excellent struggle, and I’ll do my greatest to get the win.
“Then, if there’s a likelihood to have a rematch with John Lineker, I’d 100% agree. I have to redeem myself right here so if there’s an opportunity to go towards John Lineker once more, I’m good to go.”
Learn extra: How To Watch ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II On 17 December
