From cleaning the gym to MMA king: Bibiano ‘The Flash’ Fernandes out to dazzle One Championship Macau
Brazilian who fought his way out of poverty to become one of the best bantamweights in the world defends title against upstart American Leone at Cotai Arena
Arguably the best bantamweight on the planet and a man on the brink of mixed martial arts history will share the spotlight this weekend as the One Championship returns to Macau with a 12-fight card.
One management were out in force Thursday to bang the drum over the growing strength of the Singapore-based organisation’s stable of fighters – and their fan base – and with two world titles up for grabs at the Cotai Arena Saturday night it’s hard to argue a case against the claims.
Consider first bantamweight world champ Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, who fought his way out of poverty back home in Brazil, has 17 years of combat behind him and has defended his One title now five times over four years since taking it from the Korean Kim Soo-chul.
Watch: One Kings & Conquerors: main contenders face off in Macau
“Fights are about skill but they are very mental as well,” he offered after Thursday’s pre-fight press event. “If you really want to win you have to believe in yourself.”