Bibiano Fernandes wasn’t proud of the way in which ONE Championship dealt with his contract state of affairs between 2022 and 2023. Again with the promotion for one remaining MMA bout, going through Kevin Belingon on Thursday’s ONE 171 in Qatar, “The Flash mentioned he’s now on good phrases with firm CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Fernandes made a reputation for himself within the round cage with 12 wins in 15 appearances, together with 11 bantamweight title bout victories, however was let go after a choice defeat to Stephen Loman. After being pressured to sit down out for a 12 months, and never having his contract renewed, Fernandes instructed MMA Preventing on the time that MMA fighters ought to “suppose twice” earlier than signing with the Asian promotion.
“I’m at ONE for 11 years and each relationship have two sides,” Fernandes instructed MMA Preventing forward of this week’s retirement bout. “I didn’t get on this group yesterday, so Chatri and I spoke about that interview I did. We sat down and spoke, I mentioned I used to be with them for a very long time, and appreciated ONE Championship, and I needed to say what I used to be feeling.”
Fernandes mentioned Sityodtong felt unhealthy for what occurred and requested what he may to do to make up for it, and that’s when the Brazilian veteran urged a retirement bout. There’s additionally an opportunity Fernandes continues with ONE Championship as a model ambassador shifting ahead, however his sole focus in the meanwhile is to stroll away with a win.
“I don’t suppose it was appropriate that I didn’t have a farewell bout,” Fernandes mentioned. “I used to be there for a few years and it wasn’t appropriate I wouldn’t get my farewell. Once I was launched from my contract, I used to be busy with my health club and had the [IBJJF] Pan-Ams coming, the place I competed at. We stored speaking, and we bought to a deal. And the connection is method higher now.”
Fernandes competed in jiu-jitsu tournaments since his final ONE struggle in late-2023, together with a grappling match with Urijah Faber at ADXC in August 2024, and added muay thai and boxing to his day by day routine as soon as he was booked to face Belingon at ONE.
Fernandes already fought Belingon 4 occasions in ONE championship fights, going 3-1 towards the Filipino expertise. The jiu-jitsu ace sees Belingon as a “very explosive and slippery” opponent who will “in all probability attempt to hold the struggle on the ft and knock me out.”
“Final time Kevin and I fought, it did like 39 million views,” Fernandes mentioned. “Folks had been very into this struggle, particularly the Filipinos. I went to Thailand as soon as and stopped within the Philippines and all people needed to take photos with me. So it wasn’t a shock that they booked it once more.”
“The Flash” was a two-division champion at Japan’s DREAM earlier than constructing a really profitable profession at ONE. A month away from turning 45 years outdated, and victorious in 24 of 30 skilled MMA bouts since 2001, Fernandes prepares to stroll away from the game and be seen for instance for future generations.
“By no means hand over,” Fernandes mentioned. “I come from Manaus and by no means had many alternatives in life, however I made it occur. I jumped on each problem I noticed. Folks mentioned I used to be loopy, however there’s a superb and unhealthy facet of all the things in life. I by no means give up, and stayed prepared for conflict. You don’t see folks combating at 45, however I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. I dedicate 100% to mild artwork and MMA. And once I’m executed combating, I’ll dedicate even tougher to teaching and making champions in jiu-jitsu and MMA.”
