Former ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes escaped with a split decision nod over Kevin Belingon of Lions Nation MMA on the undercard of ONE 171 on early Friday (Philippine time) at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
Belingon opened the bout with leg kicks that found its mark in the opening minute of the contest before getting taken down and pinned to the side of the cage by Fernandes.
They soon found themselves on their feet exchanging strikes until Fernandes scored another takedown for another scramble.
A front kick on top from Belingon caught Fernandes’ attention in round two. Fernandes took the fight to the mat only for the Filipino to stand again and stun him with punches.
Belingon dazzled Fernandes with an overhand…