DETHRONED bantamweight champion Kevin Belingon remains firm in his belief that Bibiano Fernandes took the easy way out in their third fight in One: A New Era in Tokyo last March 31.
"I think nag-drama lang siya. Sana naghanda siya sa cage, hindi siya showbiz," said the 31-year-old.
Belingon was disqualified for landing illegal elbows to the back of Fernandes' head in the third round that cost him his title at the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan in the Japan fightcard.
The Igorot warrior also believes that he was in control of the fight from the onset, that led to Fernandes scurrying away when the opportunity presented itself.
"I think the first and second round, he was looking for a reason and an opportunity to stop the fight," he said.
Fernandes, however, thinks he's done with Belingon.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, the Brazilian champion argued that his approval should be sought first before making the fourth bout official.
"I think the promotion should ask me first. They can’t make that decision of fighting him again before I decide what I want to do," he said. "They can’t say, 'He’s fighting Kevin now.' I submitted him in the first fight, I (believe I) won the second one, he does that in the third and wants one more fight?"
Fernandes' camp alleges that Belingon landed with at least nine illegal shots.
"That guy hit me with nine elbows. The TV only showed two, but he landed several strikes. I was dizzy, I didn’t know what to do. I think my coaches made the right call," he said. "I try to remember the fight but I can’t."
One chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, though, is keeping on his stance that Belingon-Fernandes IV will be happening.
"I believe (Senior Vice President for Competition) Matt Hume has already talked to him. I already talked to Matt and I believe he has already talked to Bibi. It’s one-hundred percent happening," the executive bared.
Regardless, Belingon is just ready to take on all comers.
"Sa ngayon, focused pa rin tayo kung bibigay ng One yung rematch. Hihintayin lang natin yung sasabihin ng One," he said.