November 2020

Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returned to the Singapore Indoor Stadium with another thrilling evening of world-class martial arts action. ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously recorded event broadcast globally on Friday, 13 November, featured compelling action from the world’s top mixed martial arts stars.

In the main event, Brazilian thunderbolt John “Hands of Stone” Lineker used a dynamic performance to stop former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and current #1-ranked contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon in the second round.

At the opening bell, Lineker and Belingon met at the center of the ONE Circle and looked to trade their heaviest shots. Belingon dazzled with his usual display of flashy spinning attacks and powerful combinations, while Lineker kept tight pressure and battered the Filipino with concussive hooks and uppercuts.

In the middle of the second round, a right uppercut to the temple dropped Belingon, and Lineker quickly swarmed his foe to earn the technical knockout victory. With the win, the Brazilian announced himself as a serious threat to reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes.

For a full bout recap of John Lineker vs. Kevin Belingon, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/john-lineker-stops-kevin-belingon-with-powerful-second-round-tko/

Visit the official ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III photo gallery by clicking here:

For top social media highlights, please see below:

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For a full bout recap of Geje Eustaquio vs. Song Min Jong, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/eustaquio-dominates-song-en-route-to-unanimous-decision-win/

Undefeated Murad Ramazanov of Russia pushed his record to 10-0 with a one-sided domination of former Pancrase Champion Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka of Japan. Ramazanov controlled the pace by pressuring Tetsuka against the Circle Wall in order to land multiple takedown attempts. Tetsuka had brief moments of brilliance on the feet, but it wasn’t enough to offset Ramazanov’s impressive grappling. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Ramazanov to win by unanimous decision.

For a full bout recap of Murad Ramazanov vs. Hiroyuki Tetsuka, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/ramazanov-stays-undefeated-with-grappling-masterclass-vs-tetsuka/

 “King Kong Warrior” Fan Rong of China spoiled the mixed martial arts debut of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Yuri Simoes to win by unanimous decision after three rounds. Simoes hunted for takedowns all night, while Fan punished him with thudding counters. As the bout wore on, Simoes began to tire, and Fan capitalized by landing a plethora of thunderous strikes. By the final bell, Fan was clearly ahead on the scorecards, as he defeated the two-time ADCC World Champion.

For a full bout recap of Fan Rong vs. Yuri Simoes, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/fan-rong-uses-boxing-takedown-defense-to-beat-bjj-legend-simoes/

In the night’s opening bout, Shooto Champion Hiroba Minowa of Japan overcame a furious start from #5-ranked strawweight Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of the Philippines to earn a close split decision victory. Adiwang started the bout fast and caught Minowa with a deep kimura early on, but the Japanese phenom somehow survived. The 21-year-old Minowa then put on a grappling showcase in the second and third rounds, establishing control over Adiwang to win on the judges’ scorecards.

For a full bout recap of Hiroba Minowa vs. Lito Adiwang, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/minowa-rides-grappling-to-tough-split-decision-win-over-adiwang/

Next, ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX IV, a previously recorded event for global broadcast on Friday, 20 November. In the main event, European Muay Thai Champion Aslanbek Zikreev of Russia takes on #2-ranked strawweight kickboxing contender Wang “Golden Boy” Junguang of China in a ONE Super Series kickboxing contest. For more information, please visit the official ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX IV Event Page.

Official Results for ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III
Mixed Martial Arts – Bantamweight: John Lineker defeats Kevin Belingon by TKO (Punches) at 1:16 of Round 2

Mixed Martial Arts – Catch Weight (64.0 KG): Geje Eustaquio defeats Song Min Jong by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Mixed Martial Arts – Welterweight: Murad Ramazanov defeats Hiroyuki Tetsuka by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Mixed Martial Arts – Middleweight: Fan Rong defeats Yuri Simoes by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Mixed Martial Arts – Strawweight: Hiroba Minowa defeats Lito Adiwang by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit https://www.onefc.com/about-us/, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

With his eyes firmly set on putting together another knockout performance this Friday night, #5-ranked ONE bantamweight and former UFC veteran John “Hands of Stone” Lineker is determined to beat former titleholder and current #1-ranked contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon in order to signal his readiness to compete for the ONE World Title.

Lineker faces Belingon in the main event of ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event from Singapore scheduled for air on Friday, 13 November.

Lineker, who earned a reputation as a hard-hitting knockout artist, wants to prove to the world that he should be next to face fellow Brazilian Bibiano Fernandes, who currently holds the ONE Bantamweight World Title.

“I am coming into ONE Championship prepared for anyone. I am ready to go against [Belingon]. I don’t think he can stop me. He is definitely one of the toughest opponents I have faced,” said Lineker.

“I am feeling great and ready for my next bout. My preparation for Belingon has been one of the best of my career, and I believe I am going to be able to show what I came here for, and that is to be the World Champion in ONE Championship.”

Lineker, who comes from Paranaguá, Paraná in Brazil, wants to build off his latest performance, a one-sided drubbing of highly-regarded Muin Gafurov in his ONE Championship debut last October 2019.

Against Belingon, however, Lineker will face a menacing threat with a penchant for highlight-reel finishes. 

In many ways, Lineker is taking on a man with a similar fighting style. The two are known finishers. Nearly half of Lineker’s 32 career victories have ended in thrilling knockout wins, while Belingon owns some of the most incredible knockouts in ONE Championship.

But one area Lineker holds a decided advantage over Belingon is in experience, and he’s used that wisdom to prepare himself for a wily opponent.

“I studied lots of his videos. He seems to be a very versatile opponent. He likes to keep punching, he moves very well, but I think he is going to look for the exchanges. This is his style, just like mine. I’m going to look for a knockout in this fight and I know I can get the best out of the exchanges,” said Lineker.

“Maybe after our fight, I can win over some fans from the Philippines because of my performance.”

ONE Championship returns this Friday night, 13 November with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III. The event will also see performances from Belingon’s Team Lakay brethren in former flyweight king Geje Eustaquio, and rising star Lito Adiwang.

Elsewhere on the card is the much-anticipated MMA debut of 2-time former ADCC World Champion, Yuri Simoes.

Lineker believes that by beating Belingon, he could set himself up against reigning champion Fernandes in an all-Brazilian showdown.

“I want the world champion. I don’t think there would be a reason for them not to give him to me if I am fighting the #1 contender. And if I beat [Belingon], that should be the way to go,” said Lineker.

“I know Bibiano is a tough opponent, he has high-level jiu-jitsu, but no one can stop me at the moment. I know I have the edge. I am working really hard [to get that World Title], and I will get it.”

Watch the event this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.

Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of the Philippines has been sitting quietly in the corner, watching the division’s top athletes move swiftly through the rankings. The 31-year-old veteran is, however, quick to establish that he’s still as dangerous as ever, and wants to remind everyone of who he is as a fighter in his next outing.

Eustaquio is set to face South Korean national champion “Running Man” Song Ming Jong at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event from Singapore scheduled for air on Friday, 13 November. The bout will be contested at a 64kg catchweight.

The Team Lakay pioneer remains fixated on earning another shot at the ONE Flyweight World Title, and wants to use Song as a springboard into the rankings.

“Nothing has changed for me. I’m still grinding everyday and honing my arsenal. My goal is and has always been the belt, that’s my motivation to keep going. I feel like I still deserve to be in the top five, and I want to prove that in this next fight,” said Eustaquio.

“I think this performance is very important for me, because I want to show fans that I still exist. Maybe they forgot. I’m here to remind them of the kind of fighter that I am. I’m excited to be back in my office.”

Against Song, Eustaquiao faces a highly-regarded ONE Warrior Series product riding a four-bout win streak. Song is also the former Road FC Flyweight Champion, so Eustaquio knows not to underestimate him.

The Team Lakay stalwart fully expects Song to come into this bout in his best condition and looking for the upset. He plans to use Song’s aggression against him, and dominate him in all areas.

“With a chance to move up the ladder, I expect him to come in hungry, motivated, and eager to win. That’s why I have to be very careful,” said Eustaquio.

“I believe I am more experienced. I think that will be my edge in this fight. The level of competition that I have faced is different, and a whole lot harder compared to him. That said, I will be looking for the finish – whether it be standing up or on the ground. Expect the unexpected. This is mixed martial arts, and anything can happen. But like in my last match, I am aiming for a finish once more.”

ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for global broadcast this Friday night, 13 November. In the main event, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and #1-ranked bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines faces #5-ranked bantamweight contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil.

Eustaquio fully recognizes that this fight is a pivotal juncture in his ONE Championship tenure. It will signal if he truly is worthy to be counted among the best, or if he needs to reevaluate his situation.

As such, he’s prepared himself extensively to give a good performance, and he promises fans they won’t be disappointed.

“This is a very important point of my career. In every competition, we treat it as the most important – and this one is no different, especially since I want to get back to the top of the flyweight division,” said Eustaquio,

“We don’t come in fights unprepared. We go in there and give it our all. We persevere. We give our blood and sweat just to make sure we come in prepared regardless of who’s in front of us. That’s our culture and attitude in Team Lakay.”

Watch the event this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.

When ONE Championship had announced its return to its flagship event schedule, martial arts fans in the Philippines knew it wouldn’t be long until they were able to see their favorite Filipino athletes be back inside the ONE Circle, doing what they do best.

Needless to say, the journey has certainly been a difficult one. When lockdowns due to the widespread outbreak of Covid-19 began in early March, gyms were closed down and athletes were forced to stay inside their homes, just like the rest of the world. Plans for any events had to be put on hold, and athletes needed to find ways to adjust to the ‘new normal.’

One man tasked with leading the Philippines’ most prolific martial arts outfit, Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, would take the circumstances as a challenge to overcome.

“It was challenging trying to find productive alternative training methods to keep our athletes well conditioned. There’s a hard balance to strike, because it wasn’t only about facing a health crisis. We were facing an economic crisis as well. Our athletes had to find a way to survive, and so did our gym,” said Sangiao.

“The first thing I told my fighters was to be careful, and to take care of themselves and follow the government’s regulations. It’s so tempting, being in Baguio City, to go out and explore nature and train outdoors. But it’s important that we abide by the rules and stay inside our own homes.”

Team Lakay is a close-knit group, woven with world championship experience in its travelled veterans, and youthful energy in its rising young stars. Sangiao is known not only as a martial arts coach, but for many, a brother and a father.

The relationship with his athletes extended far beyond the four walls of the gym, and it was hard for Sangiao to not be there in person to guide them through a tough stretch. Regardless, the team did their best to cope with the situation.

“It was hard spending time away from them and not being able to guide them personally. We never failed to constantly communicate online, and I always checked up on them during their home training. I also asked them to post their training regimens online for accountability,” said Sangiao.

“Now, the moment we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. They all have appearances in the Circle lined up. Of course, we still strictly comply with all health protocols being implemented. Right now, it’s about being smart and training smart.”

And of course, as soon as they were allowed to return to their beloved gym in La Trinidad, Benguet, the warriors of Team Lakay were all determined to work as hard as they could to prepare for their upcoming bouts.

“I would say the training has been solid, and the athletes are more eager than before. We’re all excited to head back to action after a long hiatus. It was fun to train at home when early in the lockdowns, but as soon as regulations eased, we went back to the gym,” said Sangiao.

“Working as a team, developing our skills together, that’s when we are the strongest. We can conduct our regular sparring sessions, which is a crucial component of our training.”

ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for global broadcast this Friday night, 13 November. In the main event, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and #1-ranked bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines faces #5-ranked bantamweight contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil.

Sangiao has been in Singapore, helping his wards prepare for their matches while traversing various health and safety protocols put in place by ONE Championship, in partnership with the Singapore Government. The Team Lakay head coach says he’s satisfied with how ONE has handled the events, experiencing it firsthand in the Lion City.

“I am thankful and glad with the way ONE Championship has handled the operations in Singapore. It’s very professional, and they really place a lot of importance on following health and safety protocols. I think it’s great for our athletes, because they have that peace of mind that they are being well taken care of. We have everything we need during quarantine, and all very happy to be back in Singapore,” said Sangiao.

“I am so happy and grateful that even in this pandemic, our athletes are still able to showcase their skills and what they’ve been working on.”

Catch ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.

“This event is a great sign that, slowly, things are getting back to normal — not the usual normal, but still, we can see significant progress away from this pandemic. It is great news indeed for ONE Championship and for our athletes. We are hoping that more events will be staged and gradually will be held in more countries around the world,” Sangiao concluded.

ONE Championship #5-ranked strawweight contender Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of the Philippines is one of the most explosive mixed martial artists in the world today. He’s arguably the promotion’s fastest rising star, and this Friday night, Adiwang gets the opportunity to continue his rise through the ranks in a highly-anticipated return to the ONE Circle.

Adiwang will take on former Shooto Champion Hiroba Minowa of Japan in a three-round strawweight mixed martial arts contest at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore, scheduled for global air this Friday, 13 November.

The Team Lakay proponent is currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, with all but one of those seven wins coming by way of exciting finish. Needless to say, all eyes are on Adiwang’s next performance, and he needs just a handful of victories left before he enters the title conversation.

“I feel like I only need a few more wins to be considered a title contender, especially sitting in the top five right now. But of course, I’ll let ONE Championship decide whether I’m ready or not. I just have to focus on getting better with each fight. That’s my main goal,” said Adiwang.

“I am happy to be labelled as one of Team Lakay’s next biggest stars. I’m on my way to proving that I deserve this status, and I want to make all of my dreams present and reality. It’s a long, hard road to the top, but I’m willing to give whatever it takes to reach my dreams.”

Against Minowa, Adiwang faces a formidable foe who sports a similar professional record and a common career trajectory. Just like Adiwang, Minowa is a proven finisher, having ended all 10 of his victories inside the distance, along the way capturing a Shooto Strawweight World Championship.

Minowa is making his ONE Championship debut and wants to shake things up in a big way. A win over one of the promotion’s most promising talents in Adiwang would certainly make waves in the division.

“Fans can expect an exciting and a good show every time I step into the Circle. I will always give my best in every fight. I want to thank everyone for their support. It means a lot to me,” said Adiwang.

“I’m not taking Minowa lightly. I know he is a good finisher, just like I am. So I can’t get caught. I have to maintain my concentration heading into this. If I can beat him decisively, I think that should move me up in the rankings. I’m looking forward to a good, fun fight.”

ONE Championship returns with ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III, a previously-recorded event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore for global broadcast this Friday night, 13 November. In the main event, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and #1-ranked bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines faces #5-ranked bantamweight contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker of Brazil.

Of course, there’s that lingering problem up top. The current king of the strawweight division is Adiwang’s teammate, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio. While both men and their shared camp haven’t completely ruled out a battle between the two for the World Title, Adiwang would rather not have to face his ‘brother’ in the Circle.

A move up in weight is an option for Adiwang, but he says we’re still way ahead of that discussion.

“For now, it’s still too early to say because I’m focused on clearing out the division. I’ll let the future decide,” said Adiwang.

“If I can get a few more wins, maybe spark up that conversation a little bit, then we’ll see when we get there. Right now, I have a very dangerous opponent in front of me in Minowa. I can’t underestimate him.”

Watch the event this Friday, 13 November on One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). One Sports will air the event on a same-day delay at 9 p.m. PHT. Additionally, TV5 will air the event on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT.