By Jun Ray Navarres
Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon faces a heavy wall John “Hands of Stone” Lineker in his comeback fight for the main event of ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a pre-recorded close-door event scheduled for global broadcast this Friday, November 13.
Top bantamweight contender Belingon believes that he is scheduled for the toughest wall in his path to redemption in the form of no. 5 ranked Lineker and in what he believes is a ‘dangerous’ fight.
“John Lineker is one of the toughest fighters I will ever face. He’s not an opponent to be taken lightly. He’s got a lot of experience, and a lot of power in his hands, which is why he is known to end fights early,” said Belingon who’s been, weighing Lineker’s strengths and weaknesses, while crafting a solid game plan with Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.
“We have watched his previous fights and we’re confident we can come up with the right game plan for whatever he brings to the table. I have to win this fight to prove that I deserve to stay as the number one contender.”
Belingon and Lineker are known for their strong finishes inside the Circle, packing more than 40% knockout finish ratio in their wins. Both are also equal in grappling and ground skills.
However, ”The Silencer” is confident that he could silence Lineker and that he will end the fight early.
“You all know how I fight. I fight moving forward. So, this is going to be a very exciting matchup. With the way we both attack I don’t think this is going the distance. I want to put on a good show for the fans,” said Belingon.
“I’ve prepared the same way, just like I have prepared for my previous fights. I never underestimate any of my opponents. That’s not a good thing to do inside the Circle. Every fight is dangerous.”
With the birth of his daughter, Kelsey just this August, Belingon is motivated now more than ever.
“The birth of my daughter has really added extra motivation for me to succeed. I am fighting to give my family a better life, and that’s a powerful thing,” Belingon concluded.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
