B. Fernandes (left) celebrates 2019 (right). Photo: Disclosure/ONE Championship
The end of the year is approaching, for many it is time to analyze how 2019 was professionally. For Bibiano Fernandes is no different, and the balance of the season is perfect for the Brazilian fighter. There were two fights in the ONE Championship cage, and in both of them the manauara's arm was raised at the end of the fight.
See too
The first of these, in March, was the regaining of the event's bantamweight title. In November 2018, Bibiano was controversially defeated by Kevin Belingon, in a split decision by the side judges, and a new meeting between them was scheduled. However, a new controversy put an end to the clash: the Filipino was disqualified after landing illegal blows on the Brazilian.
The way the belt returned to his hands did not please Bibiano, who granted Belingon another rematch. After months of treating concussions due to prohibited attacks, in October, the champion dominated the fight, gave his challenger no chance and finished with a rear naked choke in the second round. Title maintained, story with the Filipino closed and perfect year guaranteed.
“The year 2019 was very special for me. I ended last year sad because of the defeat, especially the way it was, so I decided that this year would be perfect. I worked hard to make the belt mine again, and now I want to continue defending my title. I will work even harder to be the ONE champion throughout 2020”, celebrates the 39-year-old fighter.
Bibiano Fernandes He began his prominent career in international MMA when he competed for the now-defunct Japanese Dream event. Between 2009 and 2011, he won all eight of his fights, becoming a dominant champion and winner of two tournaments in different categories, featherweight and bantamweight.
This year, Bibiano returned to Japan for the two fights he had, and performed for his old fans. “Japan is like my second home, it’s where I experienced unforgettable moments in my career. It's always special to fight there, and this year was no different. It was great to meet the Japanese fans again, they are incredible. They admire me, and I admire them too. It was great to fight there this year.”
Also happy outside the cage
The professional life of Bibiano Fernandes goes on very well. While waiting for a new challenger in the ONE Championship, he takes the opportunity to enjoy his family in Canada, where he lives and trains, as well as contributing to his teammates' training and also visiting family and friends in Manaus, his hometown.
Social commitments do not interfere with the champion's training routine. “I have always understood that the athlete must be well with his technical and physical side and mental, be well as a whole. Visiting Manaus always does me good, and I managed to do it a few times in 2019. I'm very proud of where I come from, I'm always very well received at home by family, friends and fans. What surrounds me outside the cage makes me a better athlete, a better person”, he concludes.
Comments