Kevin Belingon upbeat vs Andrew Leone in ONE Championship

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino star Kevin Belingon and American Andrew Leone headline ONE Championship’s ONE: Heroes of Honor card this Friday at the MOA Arena.

Belingon of the famed Team Lakay stable vows to showcase the striking prowess that made him successful in his last four fights as well an improved ground skills against Leone, a highly decorated wrestler and jiu jitsu black belter, as he aims to cement his status as the top contender to injured ONE bantamweight world champ Bibiano Fernandes.

“I trained hard for this, especially in wrestling and grappling techniques,” Belingon said during yesterday’s kickoff at City of Dreams Manila. “I’m ready for this and I’m very excited to perform in front of my kababayans.”

“Kevin is an amazing opponent and I look forward to going out there and compete to the best of my abilities,” said Leone, who vowed to engage Belingon first in striking before launching his takedown.

One: Heroes of Honor is set to be a historic event, according to ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, as the global sports media property giant kicks off the ONE Super Series, a showcase of the world’s most effective striking arts, and its new five-rope ring.

Bannering ONE Super Series is the explosive duel between Italian legend Giorgio Petrosyan, considered the greatest kickboxer of his generation, against “Smoking” Jo Nattawut, a US-based Thai kickboxer known for his powerful kicks and aggressive style.

“I’m very happy to come here for the first time and fight here. As always, I prepared very well, ready to give a good performance for everyone to participate,” said Petrosyan, who boasts an incredible 85-2-2 record highlighted by a 42-bout streak over six years.

“He’s a very talented fighter but I’m ready,” said Nattawut.