WATCH: Igorot fighter Belingon knocks down Bibiano, becomes the undisputed World Bantamweight Champion

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Baguio City - Team Lakay's knockout artist and reigning Interim Bantamweight World Champion Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon had what he wished for in his mixed martial career - defeating Bibiano Fernandes and proving he is the true champion.

The fight between the two was intense as both fighters were focused and determined on delivering their ultimate goal - to win.

While Fernandes dominates Belingon in the ground game, Belingon was able to escaped and survived. It was in the standing position that Belingon able to hit hard Fernandes by unloading arsenal of punches and kicks.

Belingon unleashed his power-back-spinning kick to the lower abdomen of Bibiano and knocked him down in the 4th round. 

He just stopped the most dominant undefeated Fernandez who in their past bout defeated him via kimura lock submission in the first round.

Related Story: Igorot Loman now holds the record as the youngest MMA champion in the Middle East and Europe.

The judges favored the warrior from Ifugao and declared the undisputed World Bantamweight Champion. 

Belingon's victory last night has made him one of the most exciting fighter in One Championship and cemented his legacy in the promotion just like his fellow Team Lakay teammate Eduard Folayang and Geje Eustaquio.

Kevin just made history last night and crowned the new undisputed World Bantamweight Champion. He had improved his record with 20 wins and 5 loses.

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Belingon defeats Nguyen: Now the new Interim ONE Championship Bantamweight World Champion

Photo Credit: ONE Championship

Cordillera - Kevin Belingon of Team Lakay has earned a world title and gave the Philippines another boxing champion after defeating Martin Nguyen via Unanimous Decision last night at the Mall of Asia Arena in front of the Filipino crowd. Belingon is now the new Interim ONE Championship Bantamweight Word Champion. 

The whole five rounds was full of action as Belingon delivers 'fire and fury' of punches against Nguyen. With his speed and total aggression throughout all rounds while successfully evading Nguyen's take downs, Belingon has earned the winning scores from all the judges. 

Belingon keeps his stance as the aggressor, charging Nguyen with powerful shots although some of them were being eluded. Belingon came more dangerous at around mid time in the first round as he backed Nguyen with a thunderous flying kick.

Belingon's win last night has made the Philippines the only country with the most world championship wins in ONE Championship. He has also joined his fellow Team Lakay teammate and reigning world champion Geje Eustaquio and current heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera.

What's next for Belingon? His wins has bought him a ticket to fight reigning bantamweight king Bibiano Fernandes which he was defeated when they crossed paths back in 2016.

Belingon has improved his winning scores to 20-5 throughout MMA carreer.

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Geje Eustaquio Rewarded the Undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion

 Photo courtesy: https://onefc.com

Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio, a young wushu artist who is a native of Baguio City and one among those representing the Team Lakay earned the crown as the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Championship with a split decision victory from his old Brazilian opponent Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes last Saturday, 23 June at the Studio City Event Center in Macau.

It was indeed an impressive redemption after four years  back  in the ring with his old rival when he lost the match in just two rounds by guillotine choke submission, without having the chance to show his skills, during the inaugural ONE Flyweight World Championship last September 2014.

During the match however, while “Mikinho”  showcased his jiu-jitsu expertise and his thrilling BJJ skills, "Gravity" on the other hand, displayed his improved ground game and took it far till the fifth and final round, with everything up for grabs. The victory was within reach for both of them as the championship rounds approached. But  in the end, Eustaquio earned the split decision victory and won the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Championship title.

Being the champion, he  exclaimed that “The feeling is awesome. I want to thank all my kababayan (Filipino countrymen) here who came out to support me” in his post-about interview with Mitch Chilson.

“I came to Macau with one vision, and that is to unify the Flyweight World Titles, and I know I was not capable of doing this alone. I want to thank God, Team Lakay, and of course my family. And to all the fans, thank you so much for the undying support”, he added.

 Following his epic win, the victorious Igorot  " Gravity" said to the crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, when I started 14 years ago, this was impossible. But now, after 14 years, impossible is not a word — it is just a reason,” 

As for those aspiring athletes, take it from Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio and be inspired with his words when he said that  “Anybody can be a world champion, as long as you have the drive and the attitude. I am proud to be the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion this time.”

Watch full movie fight below:

Article Source: Onefc.com

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One featherweight champion Martin Nguyen wants to fight Igorot MMA figther Kevin Belingon in the ring

Photo Courtesy: ONE Championship

ONE Championship crowned featherweight champion Martin "The Situ-Asian" Nguyen revealed that he would love to share a ring with Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon of Team Lakay. 

In an interview by ONE championship, the 29-year-old Nguyen would want to return again in the ring this coming ONE:REIGN OF KINGS scheduled on 27 July in Manila. 

Nguyen said he would like to fight the Igorot warrior for the interim title or number one contender spot. 

He believed that a match with Belingon would make an exciting main event considering that both of their styles are similar and MMA fans would love to watch them. 

"Honestly, he deserves nothing but the best. He has taken out top contenders in devastating fashion. He is the one who deserves the title shot next. Belingon has to stay active, because he has to put food on the table for his family, and he needs to fight. If there is anyone to step up againts Belingon, other than myself, I cannot really say who," said Nguyen. 

Nguyen is one of ONE Championship's biggest stars. He had defeated two of the best fighters Marat Gafurov and Eduard Folayang and crowned champion in both the featherweight and the lightweight division. 

He has successfully defended his featherweight world title on 18 May against  Christian "The Warrior "Lee via split division. 

Belingon has proven he got the power and arsenal to grant the wish of Nguyen. Last April, Belingon demonstrated his skills and power when he obliterated his opponent with  relentless loads of ground and pound. 

Now that a desire for a match up is asked by Nguyen who happened to knocked out cold one of Belingon's Team Lakay mates Eduard Folayan, will he take notice to the call? 

--One Championship--

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Two of the best Igorot knockout artists make their return in ONE Championship this April

Team Lakay's Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario and Gina Iniong. Photo Courtesy || Benjo Andaya FB.

Baguio City - They are among the best knockout artist in the ONE Championship MMA sport today, both Team Lakay's Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon of Ifugao and Honorio "The Rock" Banario of Benguet will deliver yet another exciting fight this April 20, 2018 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

ONE Championship, the largest global sports media property in Asian history described Belingon as "one of the country's most talented martial artist". It says, he is a Filipino champion and former world title challenger who is known to have the "ability to finish opponents in a variety of methods". 

29-year old Belingon has a professional record of 17-5 which seven of his victories came from huge knockouts. ONE Championship dubbed him as "the most feared strikers" in the history of ONE Championship's bantamweight division. 

This 20th of April, Belingon will headline the main-event dubbed 'Heroes of Honor' against 28-year old Andrew Leone of Cortland, New York.

Another talent of Team Lakay is "The Rock" Banario who will be going toe to toe with Adrian Pang. 

Banario has been one of the Philippines' most respected martial arts veterans and his tremendous cage experience has brought him all over Asia in many memorable battles against top divisional talents, according to ONE Championship. 

Armed with his striking strength and his vastly-improved grappling skills, Banario is more than ready to showcase his world-class wushu skills and lightning-quick strikes against Australian Adrian Pang.

ONE:Heroes of Honor will also feature martial arts contender Gina "Conviction" Iniong of Team Lakay. She is a six-time national wushu champion with a professional recod of 6-3, with four of her six victories coming by thrilling finish, including two highlight-reel submission and two knockouts. 

She will be facing former world title challenger 27-year old Jenny Huang of Chinese Taipie.

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Eduard Folayang and other athletes inspire Tondo kids in Manila

Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang poses a photo with kids at Tondo in Manila. Photo Courtesy: One Championship

Cordillera - Global Citizen Athlete Ambassadors Angela Lee, Brandon Vera and Team Lakay champion Eduard Folayang toured the Tondo area in Manila to give hope  and inspire children about the importance of education. 

Together with Young Focus team, the athletes toured the area, met community members and visited Young Focus centers that cater children from infancy, preschool, all the way up to the tertiary level. 

The athletes spent their times helping the kids with their lessons such as Mathematics and English. They also shared their personal stories and told the children the importance of education. 

Some 100 Young Focus students and staff were also given a privilege to attend the ONE:GLOBAL SUPERHEROES events last Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang helps a young kid with her lesson. Photo Courtesy: One Championship.

"It was such an amazing experience, of course. You really feel for the hardship my countrymen are experiencing now, especially the youth. As a ONE Championship athlete, it is my honor to be able to give back to the Filipino people. I'm sure the entire world would also love to be part of this movement, so I encourage everyone to check out Global Citizen and how each of us can help in our own little ways." Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang said. 

Young Focus is a local NGO in the Philippines that provides underprivileged youth in the Tondo or "Smokey Mountain" Area of Manila the chance to develop themselves intelectually, emotionally, physchologically, and spiritually. Through education, Young Focus addresses poverty directly by giving the next generation the best possible opportunities in life.

source || One Championship

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Jeje Eustaquio wins new Interim flyweight belt in One Championship

Photo Courtesy of One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Geje Eustaquio has proven to the world he is the better fighter as he delivered superb techniques to dominate and defeat Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan to win the ONE Championship interim flyweight title at the Mall of Asia Arena last night. 

The Igorot superb striking power and impressive ground defense worked in his advantage against the Kazakh's known take-down power. 

In their first meet up last September, Eustaquio lost in a split-decision but last night was a crystal clear unanimous victory which led him to his next opponent, the ONE undisputed flyweight champion Adriano Moraes. 

Eustaquio now joined the list of Filipino ONE champions who hold MMA world titles like heavy weight champion Brandon Vera.

"This belt is not mine, but it's ours. I'm proud to represent this flag, this country," said Eustaquio. 

He also called on ONE regular flyweight king Adriano Moraes, who was also among the audiences on the venue to give him another chance of fighting him. 

"Give me one more try, Adriano. I'll give you a better fight this time," Eustaquio said. 

In which Adriano responded, "Geje really deserved it tonight. I have too much respect for this guy. I'd like to do it again.".

Another Pinoy and proud Igorot Joshua Pacio, won an stunning performance last night, submitting Sanda champion Lan Ming Qiang with a head choke in the first round. 

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Team Lakay's coach Mark Sangiao - among the top 5 head coaches in Asian Martial Art

Photo Credit: Onefc

Cordillera - Believe it or not, behind the triumph of every champion out there in the world were their coaches who stayed focus, motivated and willing to impart not only their skills but their time to hone the skills of their boxers.

Team Lakay of Cordillera, the most well-known martial arts team in the Philippines has been successful in producing several of the most talented and skilled fighters in the Mixed Martial Arts arena and now making the country shines as the home of the best boxers in the world.

The success of a fighter and a team could not be realized without the coaches who work almost none-stop just to get to the plan done and finish the goal as much as possible in a positive manner.

In a featured article by One Championship, it listed the top 5 coaches in Asian Martial Arts, one of whom Mark Sangiao was listed as number 2.

Here is the excerpt from the article:

" A Filipino martial arts pioneer, Mark Sangiao established Team Lakay many years ago building its home base in the mountains of Baguio City to provide his fellow countrymen with a platform on which to unleash their martial arts greatness.

Along the way, Sangiao has developed martial art superstars who continue to inspire Asia and the world, including former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard "Landslide" Folayang, former Featherweight World Champion Honorio "The Rock" Banario, and several world title contenders.

It is mission accomplished for Sangiao, who set out to dominate the Philippine martial arts scene through the art of wushu, and showcase homegrown Filipino talent for all the world to see. Today, Team Lakay is the most well-known martial arts team in the country.

More than just a martial arts coach, however, Sangiao is looked up to as a father figure who genuinely cares for the students under his wing. This has resulted in a bond that extends far beyond the reaches of the cage, and has shaped wonderful human beings who are also true martial artists."

 Among the the top 5 head coaches featured was Fari Salievski who took the number one spot.
Salievski is the head coach of Martin "The Situ-Asian" Nguyen who made a stunning victory in 2017, grabbing two world-title belts in different divisions.

Nguyen shocked the world by defeating Folayang in a well-executed counter punch that led the former champion lying on the canvass.

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Martin Nguyen shows compassion to Edward Folayang after KO, sends a heartfelt message and calls him a brother

Nguyen worried and holds Folayang's hand. Photo Credit || ONE Championship

Baguio City - It was a shocking night to the Filipino fans especially to the Cordillerans seeing their champion knocked out cold inside the octagon.

Last night bout between two champions Martin Nguyen and Eduard Folayang proved sports favors only one and that Nguyen deserves the victory. It was a good fight for both of them showcasing the bests of their boxing power and skill though Folayang got caught with a surprised right hand counter hook from Nguyen after delivering his spinning heel kick in the second round.

But Nguyen's reaction after Folayang laid on the canvas shows the true color of a champion. He didn't go for an immediate celebration like most winners do but Nguyen immediately rushed and knelled down beside Folayang to make sure he was okay. 

Nguyen tried to lift Folayang's head to make sure he was okay but the ringside doctor and the referees move him away. Video from One Championship's FB page showed Nguyen went to the other side and holds Folayang's hand like a true friend.

In the post fight interview, Nguyen admitted he doesn't want to see Eduard in that kind of situation because they were good friends.

"Look, honestly, it really hurt. I never ever, ever want to see someone I like, or some I know go through that... I just couldn't help but have little hard feeling for Eduard when he got knocked out." Martin said.

He also sends a heartfelt message to the Filipino champ and wish him to recover well and come back stronger.

"Eduard, I still love you like a brother, I hope you're fine and I hope and you come back stronger. I'm still your number one fan.

The November 10th One Championship bout in Manila has caused many Filipino fans both happy and sad.

For the Cordilleran fans and Team Lakay, it was a victory 3 - 0. Kevin Belingon, Jushua Pacio and Gina Iniong got the victory on their side, while Eduard Folayang and undefeated Danny Kingad suffered loss.

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The fight is on: Cordilleran fighters VS the World at ONE Championship: Legends of the World

Photo Credit: One Championship

Baguio City - A night of Legends is set for tonight's  boxing match as two world reigning title holders will collide inside the octagon, one to defend and one to capture at One Championship:Legends of the World.

ONE lightweight champion Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang will defend his title against featherweight champion Martin "The Situ-Asian" Nguyen.

Martin Nguyen is hungry for another world title and dared to challenge the Igorot martial arts superstar Eduard Folayang of Team Lakay for the ONE Lightweight World Championship in the main event of ONE: Legend of the World tonight a the Mall of Asia Arena.

But the Igorot champion is ready and motivated to defend not only his name as the tiltleholder but also his division.

"Papasukin yung division ko, so as much as possible, you are not only defending your name but also your division," Folayang said in an interview.

The much awaited MMA bout will also feature three other fighters from the Cordillera under Team Lakay.

Co-main events will also feature Danny "King" Kingad who will be challenging One Championship flyweight king Adriano Moraes from Brazil.

22-year-old Kingad is a professional MMA fighter with and unbeaten record and dreams to become a world champion someday.

"This has been my dream for such a long time. All the opponents I have faced have brought me to this moment. All my experience has led me to this. Every athlete dreams of becoming a world champion, and now I have the opportunity." Kingad said.

Another exciting Igorot fighters lined up for the One Championship event are Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon, who will go head-to-head with Kevin Chung for the Bantamweight division and Joshua Pacio vs Roy Doliquez.

Also in the undercard is the only Igorota fighter on the lists Gina Iniong who will be fighting Priscilla Lumban of Indonesia.

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"Best Version of Eduard Folayang" to be showcased against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam on Nov.10

Cordillera, - Fans of Igorot One Lightweight World  Champion Eduard Folayang around the world are now excited to see their champion step into the cage once again as ONE championship has just announced in a press release fight between two world champions, Eduard Folayang himself against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam.

The two champions will clash in another 'blockbuster evening of world-class martial arts' dubbed as ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD on 10 November at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, according to ONE Championship.

"The two world champions in their respective weight classes are set  to go head-to-head in a cross-divisional showdown that will be talked about the world over," Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship said in a statement.

 Eduard "Landslide" Folayang of the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City, is one of the Philippines' most experienced martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 18-5 professional record. The 33-year-old veteran is currently riding a four-bout winning streak against high-profile opponents, including an empahitic technical knockout victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. He also successfully defended his title against challenger Ev Ting of Malaysia last April.

Set on the 10th of November, Eduard Folayang will be showcasing the best version of an Igorot Champion as he go head-to-head with another champion from Vietnam.

"As a martial artist, I am constantly in search of the biggest challenges, the biggest test of my skills. As a champion, I welcome any and all challengers. Martin is one of the best in the world and it is an honor to share the ONE Championship cage with him. This is a bout for the fans, and I can't wait to perform in front of my hometown crowd in Manila once again. I have complete respect for my opponent's skills and together with my brothers at Team Lakay, my coach Mark Siangao, I am preparing to showcase the best version of Eduard Folayang on 10 November."

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Cordilleran MMA fighter Eduard Folayang ready to defend his title tonight.

Cordillera - The Igorot mix-martial arts champion Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang is well prepared and ready to defend his prestigious lightweight title against Ev Ting of Malaysia at the Mall of Asia Arena tonight, 22nd April. 

The boxing word and the millions of MMA fans are anticipating tonight's clash between two artists as they will be given the chance to showcase the result of their intense training in the main event of the ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY. 

According to Mark Siargao, head coach of Eduard, the legendary Igorot is 101 % ready to face the most challenging fight in his career. 

Folayang will be facing the 27-year-old Malaysian-Kiwi challenger Ev Ting (13-3-0) who had admitted Eduard will be tough to beat due to his improved takedown defense and he said he had prepared all the possibilities of defeating him. 

Ting has a record of defeating Eduard's fellow Team Lakay fighter Honorio Banario and some known Filipino fighters in the past. 

Aside from Folayang, there are 4 more Igorot MMA finest fighters who will be fighting tonight such as Danny Kingad, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario and the lone female fighter Gina Iniong.

Want to watch the action live? Go to www.onefc.com for more information.

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Cordilleran Pulse: Who do you think will win, Folayang or Mcgregor?

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The Cordilleran warrior from Ifugao is back: Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon to fight on April 21

Cordillera - Just a month to wait and the "The Silencer" Kevin Belingon will return into the ring to show once again what a true Cordilleran fighter he is.

The 29-year-old Belingon, a native of Ifugao will return to the cage on April 21st to face Finland's Toni "Dynamite" Tauro in the undercard of ONE: Kings of Destiny.

Under Team Lakay, Belingon is one of the most feared strikers on ONE Championship's bantamweight division. He has a record of five KOs victories on his resume.

Belingon (14-5) will be one of the four Team Lakay fighters on the card who will be fighting alongside Eduard Folayang in the main event in the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

Talking about his opponent Tauro who has defeated one of his teammate Geje Eustaquio, Belingon   is confident that he can put a good fight and will win the game.

"I've been a staple of this weight class for a long time. I've fought the best of the best. I know Toni Tauru's caliber as a fighter. I am not taking this fight lightly. My focus is on walking away with my name being announced as the winner," Belingon said.

He also has given a warning to Tauru to be prepared, that although he is taller than him, he is going to come in there with his speed and punching power that definitely will stun him and put a winning advantage on his part.

Belingon is now in full training for his incoming fight. He said that he is training with other Team Lakay's members who are taller than him to get used to Tauru's height and Length.

source: One FC, ABS CBN Sport

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