Martin Nguyen Chasing History And Then Revenge Against Bibiano Fernandes

ONE Championship featherweight and lightweight champion Martin Nguyen will get a second opportunity this Friday to make history by becoming the first MMA fighter ever to simultaneously hold three MMA world titles.

Back in March, Nguyen took on the ONE Championship bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes and was on the wrong end of a split decision of a close back and forth fight. After bouncing back just 7 weeks later and successfully defending his featherweight title against Christian Lee, Nguyen this Friday will now get the opportunity to fight for a bantamweight title when he faces Kevin Belingon for an interim belt.

Three fights in seven months would in most cases be too many, but Nguyen insists that he’s more than ready for his fight this Friday.

“I feel great. I’m ready for this opportunity, and of course I thank ONE Championship and Kevin Belingon for making this bout possible,” Nguyen said earlier this week.

“Going for a third title and another weight class, it isn’t easy. But if I can do it, I could make history. No one has ever done this before. I am set on being the first man to become a simultaneous three-division world champion in mixed martial arts and I am set to face Bibiano again.”

Nguyen’s fight with Fernandes went down to the wire, but it was ultimately the Brazilian who got the nod. A decisive moment in the fifth round when Fernandes dropped Nguyen with a punch appeared to tip the scales in the favour of title holder and Nguyen knows he can improve on his last performance.

“After watching my previous fight with Bibiano, I seen myself holding back in so many situations even after I hurt him also I was too one dimensional which he later on during the rounds figured out,” Nguyen said.

“Next time round Bibiano won’t be able to keep up with me, regardless on the feet or ground.”

Nguyen knows he must take every fight as they come though and this Friday he’s well aware he’s in for a battle of attrition against Belingnon. Making history and getting a second shot at Fernandes remains Nguyen’s ultimate goal, but taking out the Philippine and getting a third title strapped around his waist will be the first stop on the road to achieving that.

“I like to take each bouts as it comes. We all know what Kevin Belingon does to his opponents inside that cage. He’s super aggressive, attacks relentlessly and has killer knockout power. I have to be at my best for this one,” Nguyen said.

“I know he’s going to come at me, but my team and I have prepared very well for this, working extensively on all areas to make sure I am well-equipped to handle all situations. I feel like my advantage, to be honest, is my championship experience and my stamina. Whether July 27th is his night or not well just have to wait and see.”