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Kevin Belingon
Kevin Belingon
Kevin Belingon
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Kevin Indunan Belingon (born October 30, 1987) is a Filipino mixed martial artist. He competed mostly with ONE Championship, where he was the former ONE Bantamweight World Champion[2] and Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Flyweight Champion.[3]

Key Information

Early life and education

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Belingon is of Igorot[4] descent and hails from Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines. In his early childhood he idolized and admired movie icon Bruce Lee, which then inspired him to practice martial arts.[5] Belingon pursued his passion in martial arts at the age of 17 and was eventually awarded a wushu scholarship to the University of the Cordilleras. He had success in wushu competition, becoming a Philippines national champion. After finishing college, Belingon stayed in Baguio.[6]

In Baguio, he began training at Team Lakay Wushu, one of the best MMA stables in the Philippines under famous Filipino coach Mark Sangiao. Although he earned a bachelor's degree in Criminology, he put his ambitions of pursuing a career in law enforcement on hold to focus full-time on being a professional Martial Artist.[7]

He made his professional debut in 2007 and won his first nine bouts, capturing a flyweight title in the process after beating opponents from all across Asia. ONE Championship signed Belingon in 2012.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

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Universal Reality Combat Championship

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On June 30, 2007, Kevin Belingon made his professional debut in Universal Reality Combat Championship, at URCC 10.[9] The event was held on June 30, 2007, at The Fort in Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. Also on the fight card was Belingon's teammate and future ONE Championship world champion, Eduard Folayang. The Ifugao warrior fought Richard Lasprilla for the URCC Flyweight Championship and won via Majority Decision in his first professional MMA fight.[10][11]

Martial combat

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After 5 fights exclusively in his home country Philippines, Belingon entered the Singapore-based promotion Martial Combat in May 2010 in his first international fight against Thailand Fighter Ngoo Ditty, and won via first round TKO.[12]

Legend Fighting Championship

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More than a month, after his fight in Martial Combat Promotions, he fought under the banner of Legend Fighting Championship MMA Promotions based in China. Winning against Nam Jin Jo of South Korea via Unanimous Decision in June 2010[13] and Dalai Bayin of China in round 1 Submission in September 2010.[14]

Returning to the URCC

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After his international fights in Hong Kong and Singapore, "The Silencer" returned home to compete at URCC 19: Collision in Pasay, Metro Manila on April 2, 2011, against fellow Filipino Isaac Tulinng. A head kick and combination of punches forced the referee to stop the contest, awarding Belingon the win via TKO.[15]

ONE Championship

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Belingon made his debut in the promotion against Masakazu Imanari at ONE Fighting Championship: War of the Lions March 2012.[16] He submitted Belingon in the opening round via heel hook. Belingon also lost his next bout by unanimous decision against Korean Soo Chul Kim,[17] who went on to become the inaugural ONE Bantamweight World Champion two months later.[18]

After back-to-back defeats, Belingon entered the ONE Bantamweight Grand Prix Tournament and won back-to-back stoppages against Yusup Saadulaev,[19] and Thanh Vu of Australia. He eventually lost against Masakatsu Ueda in the final round of ONE Bantamweight Grand Prix.[20]

In January 2016, after a win against Koetsu Okazaki,[21] he got the opportunity to challenge for the title against the champion, Bibiano Fernandes.[22] He lost this title fight via Kimura in the first round.[23]

His next victory came over Muin Gafurov in October 2016. Belingon followed it up with a pair of first round stoppages of former title contenders Toni Tauru,[24] and Reece McLaren in 2017,[25] before ending the year with a unanimous decision win against Kevin Chung.[26]

On 20 April 2018, in the main event of ONE Championship: Heroes of Honor, Belingon faced off with another former title challenger Andrew Leone. Belingon dominated the first round until a spinning side-kick to the liver sent Leone to the canvas. The Filipino finished the fight with ground and pound.[27]

On July 27, 2018, at ONE Championship: Reign of Kings,[28] Belingon faced two-division ONE Championship title holder, Martin Nguyen. He defeated the Vietnamese-Australian by unanimous decision[29] and became the ONE Championship Interim Bantamweight Champion.[30]

Belingon faced reigning bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes at ONE Championship 78: Heart of the Lion on November 9, 2018, in a title unification bout and a rematch of their previous battle in 2016.[31] Belingon won the fight via split decision to become the undisputed bantamweight champion, handing Fernandes his first loss in 8 years and ending the promotion's longest ever championship reign.[32]

Belingon faced Fernandes in a trilogy match at ONE Championship: A New Era on March 30, 2019.[33] The match ended with Belingon losing the bantamweight title via disqualification after landing an illegal elbow to the back of Fernandes' head.[34]

Belingon faced Fernandes for the fourth time at ONE Championship: Century on October 13, 2019.[35] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Belingon then faced John Lineker at ONE Championship: Inside the Matrix 3 on November 13, 2020. He lost the fight via second-round knockout.[36]

Belingon faced Kwon Won Il at ONE: Winter Warriors II on December 17, 2021. He lost the bout via liver shot in the second round.[37]

Belingon faced Kim Jae-woong on November 19, 2022, at ONE on Prime Video 4.[38] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[39]

After a two-years hiatus, Belingon faced Bibiano Fernandes on February 20, 2025, at ONE 171.[40] He lost the fight via split decision.[41]

Personal life

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Belingon and his wife have a daughter, Kelsey (born 2020).[42]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
31 matches 20 wins 11 losses
By knockout 10 3
By submission 2 4
By decision 8 3
By disqualification 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 20–11 Bibiano Fernandes Decision (split) ONE 171 February 20, 2025 3 5:00 Lusail, Qatar
Loss 20–10 Kim Jae-woong TKO (punches) ONE on Prime Video 4 November 19, 2022 1 2:33 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 20–9 Kwon Won-il KO (punch to the body) ONE: Winter Warriors II December 17, 2021 2 0:52 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 20–8 John Lineker TKO (punches) ONE: Inside the Matrix 3 November 13, 2020 2 1:16 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 20–7 Bibiano Fernandes Submission (rear-naked choke) ONE: Century – Part 2 October 13, 2019 2 2:16 Tokyo, Japan For the ONE Bantamweight Championship (145 lb).
Loss 20–6 Bibiano Fernandes DQ (illegal elbows) ONE: A New Era March 31, 2019 3 3:40 Tokyo, Japan Lost the ONE Bantamweight Championship (145 lb).
Win 20–5 Bibiano Fernandes Decision (split) ONE: Heart of the Lion November 9, 2018 5 5:00 Kallang, Singapore Won and unified the ONE Bantamweight Championship (145 lb).
Win 19–5 Martin Nguyen Decision (unanimous) ONE: Reign of Kings July 27, 2018 5 5:00 Pasay, Philippines Won the interim ONE Bantamweight Championship (145 lb).
Win 18–5 Andrew Leone TKO (spinning back kick and punches) ONE: Heroes of Honor April 20, 2018 2 1:27 Pasay, Philippines Featherweight debut.
Win 17–5 Kevin Chung Decision (unanimous) ONE: Legends of the World November 10, 2017 3 5:00 Pasay, Philippines
Win 16–5 Reece McLaren KO (punches) ONE: Quest for Greatness August 18, 2017 1 1:02 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Win 15–5 Toni Tauru TKO (submission to punches) ONE: Kings of Dynasty April 21, 2017 1 2:27 Pasay, Philippines
Win 14–5 Muin Gafurov Decision (unanimous) ONE: Clash of Heroes October 7, 2016 3 5:00 Yangon, Myanmar
Loss 13–5 Bibiano Fernandes Submission (kimura) ONE: Dynasty of Champions 5 January 23, 2016 1 4:04 Changsha, China For the ONE Bantamweight Championship.
Win 13–4 Koetsu Okazaki Decision (unanimous) ONE FC: Warrior's Way December 5, 2014 3 5:00 Pasay, Philippines
Loss 12–4 Kim Dae-hwan Submission (rear-naked choke) ONE FC: War of Nations March 14, 2014 1 4:39 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Win 12–3 David Aranda Santacana KO (punches) ONE FC: Moment of Truth December 6, 2013 1 2:53 Pasay, Philippines
Loss 11–3 Masakatsu Ueda Decision (unanimous) ONE FC: Rise to Power May 31, 2013 3 5:00 Pasay, Philippines 2013 ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix Final.
Win 11–2 Thanh Vu TKO (punches) ONE FC: Kings and Champions April 5, 2013 2 1:00 Kallang, Singapore 2013 ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 10–2 Yusup Saadulaev TKO (punches) ONE FC: Rise of Kings October 6, 2012 1 3:18 Kallang, Singapore 2013 ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Loss 9–2 Kim Soo-chul Decision (unanimous) ONE FC: Pride of Nation August 31, 2012 3 5:00 Quezon City, Philippines
Loss 9–1 Masakazu Imanari Submission (reverse heel hook) ONE FC: War of Lions March 31, 2012 1 1:18 Kallang, Singapore
Win 9–0 Isaac Tuling TKO (head kick and punches) URCC 19 April 2, 2011 1 6:25 Pasay, Philippines
Win 8–0 Dalai Bayin Submission (rear-naked choke) Legend FC 3 September 24, 2010 1 4:40 Hong Kong, SAR, China
Win 7–0 Jo Nam-jin Decision (unanimous) Legend FC 2 June 24, 2010 3 5:00 Hong Kong, SAR, China
Win 6–0 Ngoo Ditty TKO (punches) Martial Combat 2 May 13, 2010 1 0:08 Sentosa, Singapore
Win 5–0 Jilmar Tangayan Decision (unanimous) URCC: Rogue Magazine's Black The Brawl 2009 October 24, 2009 3 5:00 Makati, Philippines
Win 4–0 Justin Cruz Decision (unanimous) URCC 13 March 28, 2009 2 10:00 Makati, Philippines
Win 3–0 Magellan Perez Submission (kimura) URCC 12 November 22, 2008 1 0:15 Makati, Philippines
Win 2–0 Roldan Cartajena Submission (armbar) URCC 11 November 25, 2007 1 8:42 Pasay, Philippines
Win 1–0 Richard Lasprilla Decision (majority) URCC 10 June 30, 2007 2 20:00 Taguig, Philippines Bantamweight debut.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kevin Belingon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Belingon (born October 30, 1987), known by his "The Silencer", is a Filipino professional mixed martial artist who competes in the and divisions of . A former ONE World Champion and ONE Interim World Champion, he is celebrated for his dynamic wushu sambo striking style, which has produced multiple highlight-reel s throughout his career. As of November 2025, Belingon holds a professional record of 20 wins and 11 losses, with 8 of his victories coming by or technical . Born in the mountainous town of in province, , Belingon grew up amid the iconic rice terraces and drew early inspiration from martial arts icon , leading him to train in wushu sambo from a young age. He pursued higher education at the , earning a degree in while honing his combat skills under renowned coach Mark Sangiao. Belingon made his professional MMA debut in 2007 under the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) banner in the , where he quickly established himself by winning his first nine fights and capturing the URCC Flyweight Championship by defeating regional opponents from across . Belingon's rise to international prominence began in 2012 when he signed with , the largest sports promotion in Asian history. Initially competing at flyweight and , he notched key victories, including a first-round TKO over Finnish grappler Toni Tauru in 2016 and a unanimous decision win over former champion in 2018. His breakthrough came in July 2018 at ONE: Reign of Kings, where he defeated Andrew Leone by unanimous decision to claim the ONE Interim World Title. Four months later, in November 2018 at ONE: Heart of the Lion, Belingon dethroned long-reigning champion via , unifying the title and ending Fernandes' undefeated streak in ONE—a moment hailed as one of the promotion's most iconic upsets. The rivalry with Brazilian legend , which began with their first meeting in 2016, defined much of Belingon's prime, spanning five intense bouts across nine years. Belingon lost the title back to in their March 2019 rematch via disqualification for an illegal knee, followed by a submission loss in the October 2019 trilogy fight. After a period of setbacks, including losses to top contenders like (2020), Won Il (2021, second-round knockout via at ONE: Winter Warriors II), and Kim Jae Woong (2022), Belingon returned from a hiatus of over two years in February 2025 at ONE 171: . There, secured a victory in the fifth and final matchup, marking Belingon's sixth consecutive loss and ' retirement bout. Now training at Lions Nation MMA in the after departing longtime camp Team Lakay, Belingon remains an enduring figure in Filipino MMA, representing resilience and the global impact of the country's martial artists. His career, blending explosive finishes with high-stakes title challenges, has solidified his legacy as a pioneer who elevated the sport's popularity in .

Early life and background

Upbringing and heritage

Kevin Belingon was born on October 30, 1987, in , , a remote town in the northern , to parents of Igorot descent. The Igorot are the of the , where Belingon grew up immersed in a culture shaped by the region's steep, terraced landscapes and communal traditions. , situated in the mountainous terrain of province, is near the iconic —a symbolizing centuries-old engineering and agricultural ingenuity, which influenced the daily rhythms of local life. This environment, characterized by thick forests, rugged paths, and a slow-paced rural existence, fostered a deep connection to nature and ancestral practices for Belingon and his family. Belingon's family, consisting of his parents and siblings, lived modestly in a small village amid these highlands, relying on the land for sustenance in an area not known for producing combat sports athletes but rather farmers. His upbringing was marked by the challenges of rural life, including occasional threats from militant activities in the region during the late 1980s and early 1990s. At around age four, Belingon experienced one such incident when his father carried him, along with his mother and siblings, to hide in a for safety, an event that underscored the protective dynamics within the family and instilled early lessons in discipline and endurance. The family's not wealthy circumstances emphasized self-reliance, with the father's role in safeguarding their home possessions highlighting the resilience required to thrive in such an isolated, demanding setting. Growing up, Belingon engaged in the physical demands of rural activities, such as navigating the hilly terrain and participating in community-based tasks tied to farming and local traditions, which laid the groundwork for his later athletic prowess. These experiences in the Cordillera's natural environment built a strong physical foundation and a sense of perseverance rooted in Igorot heritage. This formative period, coupled with his childhood admiration for films, gradually drew him toward combat sports.

Education and martial arts introduction

Kevin Belingon began his martial arts training at the age of 17, initially focusing on wushu after being inspired by films and discovering the discipline during his college years. His Igorot heritage from province instilled a deep sense of determination that fueled his early commitment to the sport. He quickly engaged in amateur wushu competitions, honing his skills in sanda, the combat form of the martial art that emphasizes striking and grappling. Belingon's talent in wushu earned him a scholarship to the in City, where he relocated to pursue both academics and training. During his university years, he achieved significant success by becoming a national wushu sanda champion in the , representing his country in competitive events. Under the guidance of coach Mark Sangiao, he became a founding member of Team Lakay, further developing his techniques through rigorous practice. While studying, Belingon earned a in , initially aspiring to a in . However, his passion for led him to forgo opportunities in policing, instead dedicating himself fully to competing in after early amateur successes. This transition marked the beginning of his professional journey, building on the foundation of his wushu expertise.

Mixed martial arts career

Early professional bouts (URCC and regional promotions)

Kevin Belingon made his professional debut on June 30, 2007, at URCC 10: X, where he defeated Richard Lasprilla by after two 10-minute rounds to capture the URCC Flyweight in his first fight. This victory established Belingon as the inaugural flyweight titleholder in the promotion, showcasing his early promise as a well-rounded fighter with a background in wushu sanda that enhanced his transitional grappling skills. Around the same time, Belingon began training with Team Lakay in Baguio City under coach Mark Sangiao, a group known for integrating wushu striking with ground techniques, which became the foundation of his early career development. Belingon defended his title and extended his undefeated streak in subsequent URCC bouts, submitting Roldan Cartajena via armbar in the first round at URCC 11: Redemption on November 25, 2007. He followed with a first-round submission over Magellan Perez at URCC 12: Supremacy on July 5, 2008, demonstrating his growing proficiency in joint locks. Belingon then earned a victory against Justin Cruz in a two-round superfight at URCC 13: Indestructible on November 22, 2008, where Cruz held the title but competed outside his weight class. Continuing his dominance in regional promotions, Belingon secured a win over Jilmar Tangayan across three five-minute rounds at URCC: Rogue Magazine's Black Tie Brawl 2009 on October 24, 2009. By this point, he had transitioned to the division, aligning with his physical growth and the need for stronger competition at higher weights. His streak culminated in a first-round TKO via head kick and punches against Tuling at URCC 19: Collision on April 2, 2011, marking his sixth straight URCC victory and contributing to an overall undefeated professional record of 9-0 before venturing into broader Asian circuits.

Transition to international scene (2009-2011)

Following his success in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), where he captured the flyweight title, Kevin Belingon sought greater challenges beyond the Philippine circuit, leveraging his undefeated record as a foundation for international competition. In May 2010, Belingon made his debut outside URCC at Martial Combat 2 in Singapore, where he secured a first-round TKO victory over Ngoo Ditty via punches at 2:51, demonstrating his striking prowess against a regional opponent under unified MMA rules. This win marked his adaptation to the faster pace and stricter regulations of international promotions, contrasting the more lenient local formats he had known. Belingon continued his ascent later that year with back-to-back victories in under the Legend Fighting Championship (Legend FC), a promotion drawing fighters from across . On June 24, 2010, at Legend FC 2, he defeated Nam Jin Jo by after three rounds, outworking the South Korean with superior wrestling and ground control. Three months later, on September 24, 2010, at Legend FC 3, Belingon submitted Dalai Bayin via rear-naked choke in the first round at 4:26, showcasing his versatility against a Mongolian striker. These bouts in and exposed him to diverse fighting styles, including aggressive influences and sambo-based techniques, honing his ability to counter varied threats. By April 2011, Belingon had extended his professional record to 9-0 with a TKO win over Isaac Tuling in URCC, but his international performances had elevated his profile significantly. The string of victories against international foes caught the attention of global promoters, culminating in a contract with ahead of its 2012 launch.

ONE Championship entry and initial challenges (2012-2015)

Kevin Belingon made his debut in on March 31, 2012, at One FC 3: War of the Lions, where he faced Japanese submission specialist and suffered a first-round loss via reverse heel hook at 1:18. This marked a challenging start for Belingon, who entered the promotion riding an undefeated streak from regional circuits in the and Asia. Belingon's difficulties continued in his next bout on August 31, 2012, at One FC 5: , losing a to South Korean fighter Soo Chul Kim after three rounds. Despite the early setbacks, Belingon rebounded quickly, securing a first-round TKO victory over Yusup Saadulaev via punches at 3:18 on October 6, 2012, during One FC 6: Rise of Kings. He followed this with another stoppage win against Thanh Vu, earning a second-round TKO with punches at 1:00 on April 5, 2013, at One FC 8: Kings and Champions. The period saw further ups and downs, as Belingon dropped a to Masakatsu Ueda on May 31, 2013, at One FC 9: Rise to Power, in a closely contested three-round affair. He responded with a dominant first-round via punches against David Aranda Santacana at 2:53 on December 6, 2013, at One FC 13: Moment of Truth, showcasing his striking power. Another submission loss came on March 14, 2014, at One FC 14: War of Nations, where Dae Hwan Kim caught him with a rear-naked choke in the first round at 4:39. Belingon closed out the year with a gritty performance, defeating Koetsu Okazaki by after three rounds on December 5, 2014, at One FC 23: Warrior's Way, demonstrating improved defense and cardio. By the end of 2015, with no fights that year, Belingon's record stood at 4 wins and 4 losses, a phase defined by alternating results that tested his adaptability and resilience against international competition. These experiences highlighted his ability to learn from defeats, refining his wushu-based striking while addressing vulnerabilities in submissions and decisions.

Breakthrough and title contention (2016-2018)

Belingon's challenging period in culminated in a significant setback on January 23, 2016, at ONE: Dynasty of Champions, where he faced reigning champion in a title bout. Fernandes dominated the exchanges and secured a submission victory via in the first round at 4:04, marking Belingon's second loss to the Brazilian and highlighting areas for improvement in his ground defense following inconsistent early years in the promotion. Belingon rebounded strongly later that year, embarking on an undefeated streak that propelled him back into title contention. On , 2016, at ONE: State of Warriors, he defeated Muin Gafurov by after three rounds, showcasing improved striking and takedown defense to outpoint the Russian grappler. This victory initiated a five-fight winning run against top contenders, demonstrating his evolving blend of and wrestling. In April 2017, at ONE: Kings of Destiny, Belingon earned a first-round TKO over Toni Tauru via punches at 2:27, overwhelming the Finnish fighter with aggressive ground-and-pound. He followed this with a dominant of Reece on August 18, 2017, at ONE: Quest for Greatness, landing clean punches to end the bout in just 1:02 of the first round and solidifying his knockout power. Belingon's streak continued on November 10, 2017, at ONE: Legends of the World, where he outstruck Kevin Chung to a victory over three rounds. The momentum carried into 2018, with a standout performance on April 20 at ONE: Heroes of Honor, where Belingon faced former title challenger Andrew Leone. In the second round, Belingon unleashed a devastating spinning back kick to Leone's body at 1:27, followed by punches, resulting in a TKO finish that became one of his most iconic highlights and earned widespread acclaim for its precision and impact. This win positioned him for a championship opportunity, culminating on July 27, , at ONE: Reign of Kings against two-division champion for the interim title. Belingon controlled the pace with superior wrestling and striking volume across five rounds, securing a victory to claim the belt and establish himself as the division's top contender.

Championship successes and defenses (2018-2019)

In November 2018, at ONE: Heart of the Lion in , Kevin Belingon captured the undisputed ONE Bantamweight World Championship by defeating long-reigning champion via after five rounds of intense striking exchanges and grappling attempts. This victory unified Belingon's previously held interim title, marking a career pinnacle as he became the first Filipino to claim a world title. Belingon's first title defense came in March 2019 at ONE: A New Era in Tokyo, where he faced Fernandes in a highly anticipated rematch. The bout ended controversially in the second round when Belingon was disqualified for landing illegal elbows to the back of Fernandes' head, resulting in the immediate loss of the championship and stripping of the belt. Despite the disqualification, the fight showcased Belingon's aggressive pressure, though the infraction overshadowed his performance and ended his reign after approximately four months. A fourth encounter followed in October 2019 at ONE: Century Part 2 in Tokyo, with Fernandes defending the reclaimed title against Belingon. Fernandes secured a decisive victory by rear-naked choke submission in the second round, effectively concluding their trilogy and solidifying his dominance in the division. This short-lived championship period, while brief, elevated Belingon's legacy as a trailblazer for Philippine MMA, drawing widespread media coverage and national pride in the country for his achievement as the inaugural Filipino ONE world champion.

Later fights, slump, and hiatus (2020-2023)

Belingon's post-championship period began with a challenging bout against at : Inside the Matrix 3 on October 30, 2020, where he suffered a second-round TKO loss via punches after a competitive start. This defeat marked the continuation of a downturn that had started with his title-unifying loss to in 2019. The slump deepened over the following years, as Belingon faced Kwon Won Il at ONE: Winter Warriors 2 on December 17, 2021, ending in a second-round knockout via a punch to the body that highlighted vulnerabilities in his defensive grappling. His next appearance came against Jae Woong Kim at ONE on Prime Video 4 on November 18, 2022, resulting in a first-round TKO loss due to ground-and-pound strikes, extending his losing streak to five consecutive defeats by the end of 2022. In March 2023, Belingon announced his departure from Team Lakay, the stable he had been affiliated with since 2007, citing a desire to refine his skills, particularly in , through new training avenues; he parted on amicable terms with head coach Mark Sangiao after a farewell discussion. Later that year, in June 2023, he co-founded Lions Nation MMA alongside fellow former Team Lakay members , Honorio Banario, and , emphasizing a collaborative environment to foster both personal growth and emerging talent in the . Following his loss to Kim, Belingon entered a two-year hiatus from professional MMA competition starting in late 2022, during which he shifted focus toward coaching roles within the new team and personal recovery to address the physical and mental toll of his recent setbacks. This break allowed him to rebuild his training regimen and explore improvements in his game, away from the pressures of active fighting.

Return to competition (2024-2025)

After a two-year hiatus from competition, Kevin Belingon did not fight in 2024, instead focusing on intensive preparation at Lions Nation MMA in the , where he maintained consistent training to stay sharp. During this period, Belingon adjusted his training regimen with the team, incorporating a more comprehensive setup that included with fellow fighters and refined conditioning to address previous shortcomings. He continues to affiliate with Lions Nation MMA as his primary camp. Belingon's return was motivated by a desire to prove he was far from finished in the sport, particularly against longtime rival , with whom he sought to settle their storied rivalry after a string of setbacks. On February 20, 2025, at ONE 171: Qatar in Lusail Sports Arena, Belingon faced Fernandes for the fifth time in a bantamweight MMA bout, which also marked Fernandes' announced retirement fight. The three-round contest ended in a split decision victory for Fernandes, extending their head-to-head record to 1-3-1 in the Brazilian's favor. The loss extended Belingon's losing streak to six fights, dropping his professional record to 20-11 and leaving his future in MMA uncertain as of November 2025, with no further bouts scheduled.

Training and fighting style

Evolution of techniques and strengths

Kevin Belingon's core strengths in stem from his wushu sanda background, which provides a foundation in explosive striking power, evidenced by eight or technical victories, including devastating spinning back kicks that have become hallmarks of his arsenal. His wrestling proficiency, derived from wushu's and elements, enables effective ground control, allowing him to dictate positioning and neutralize opponents on the mat. Belingon holds a black belt in wushu and a blue belt in under Gibran Langbayan, contributing to his versatile skill set blending offensive firepower with defensive stability. Throughout his career, Belingon's techniques evolved from an early emphasis on grappling, where he secured three submission wins primarily through joint locks and chokes, to a refined knockout artistry in ONE Championship, achieving a 40% knockout rate in his overall victories. After a pivotal 2016 submission loss to Bibiano Fernandes, Belingon focused on strengthening his grappling fundamentals, especially takedown defense, which enhanced his overall game and enabled him to more effectively integrate his striking while maintaining defensive stability on the ground. Changes in team affiliations further influenced subtle tweaks to his style, enhancing his adaptability across weight classes and fight durations. Signature moves define Belingon's offensive identity, including high-impact head kicks like his trademark spinning back kicks, precise punches delivered in the clinch to wear down foes, and counter-striking that capitalizes on opponents' advances for opportunistic finishes. These techniques showcase his wushu-honed precision and timing, often turning defensive scenarios into highlight-reel moments. Belingon addressed key weaknesses over time, particularly improving his takedown defense following early career submissions against him, which allowed him to stay upright and leverage his striking advantage in subsequent bouts. He also enhanced his cardiovascular endurance to sustain performance in championship five-round fights, ensuring consistent output without fading in later stages. His professional record of 20 wins and 11 losses, with 45% of victories coming by decision, underscores this versatility, demonstrating his ability to win through finishes or outpointing durable adversaries across diverse matchups.

Training camps and team affiliations

Kevin Belingon began his MMA training in 2007 with Team Lakay in Baguio City, , under the guidance of head coach Mark Sangiao. The team, based in , at an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet in the region, leveraged the high-altitude environment to build exceptional endurance among its fighters through rigorous mountain runs and conditioning sessions in thin air. This setup, combining wushu sanshou striking drills with and wrestling, allowed Belingon to integrate his background in wushu—such as repetitive practice of spinning back kicks on pads and heavy bags—directly into MMA camps, enhancing his explosive striking power. These camp influences contributed to the evolution of his fighting style from a primarily wushu-based striker to a more versatile mixed martial artist. Belingon remained affiliated with Team Lakay for over 16 years, training alongside elite Filipino fighters like and Honorio Banario under Sangiao's leadership, which emphasized toughness and passion in a family-like atmosphere. However, in March 2023, he parted ways with the team, citing a desire for a change of scenery to further cultivate his skills as he approached the later stages of his career. This departure followed a similar move by Folayang and marked the end of a significant era for the . Following the split, Belingon joined Lions Nation MMA, a new team co-founded by former Team Lakay members including Folayang, , and Banario, operating out of the original La Trinidad gym to foster Philippine MMA talent in an open environment. As of 2025, Belingon has been training there for over two years, describing the setup as comprehensive and well-rounded, with collaborative sessions alongside other superstars that support his selective fight preparations, such as his bout against at ONE 171. He has increasingly focused on coaching roles within the team, contributing to the development of younger fighters while maintaining his own conditioning.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Kevin Belingon is married to his wife, Lee, with whom he shares a close family life centered in Baguio City, Philippines. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Kelsey, on August 18, 2020, at Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital in Baguio City, an event that marked a significant milestone in their personal lives. The birth of Kelsey profoundly influenced Belingon's approach to his MMA career, providing added during his preparations for comebacks and title pursuits, as he sought to inspire his young daughter through his achievements in the cage. Belingon has spoken about the challenges of balancing the demands of professional fighting with fatherhood, carefully scheduling his training to ensure quality time with his family amid the rigors of competition. The Belingon family resides in Baguio City, where they maintain strong ties to the local community, and his extended clan provides unwavering support by gathering to watch his fights, reinforcing the familial bonds that underpin his personal and professional resilience. This family-oriented structure reflects the cultural emphasis on unity and perseverance in Igorot traditions.

Philanthropy and public persona

Belingon has actively participated in programs aimed at supporting in , particularly in City and his hometown region of , where he encourages young people to pursue sports as a positive alternative to negative influences. He previously collaborated with Team Lakay on initiatives like the "Future Champion Kids Training" program, which trained aspiring fighters and promoted discipline and healthy lifestyles among underprivileged children. As of 2025, he continues these efforts through Lions Nation MMA, offering kids' classes at the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center in , with enrollment for sessions held Mondays through Saturdays. These efforts reflect his commitment to giving back to the communities that shaped him, drawing from his own humble beginnings in the rice terraces of . In public appearances, Belingon frequently promotes Igorot , emphasizing the warrior spirit of the and traditional practices like bultong wrestling that influenced his fighting style. His background in —a earned from the —has informed his advocacy for youth involvement in to promote constructive paths. His messages often highlight and cultural pride, as seen in features where he shares stories of his indigenous roots to foster national unity. On , particularly his account (@kevinbelingon), Belingon maintains an active presence as of November 2025, regularly posting updates on his training routines, motivational content, and glimpses of family life to connect with fans and inspire aspiring athletes. These posts often blend his professional journey with personal reflections, reinforcing his approachable persona. The birth of his daughter in has further enhanced his public image as a devoted and . Widely recognized as a national icon in Philippine MMA, Belingon is celebrated for inspiring the next generation of fighters, particularly from indigenous communities, by demonstrating that success is achievable through perseverance and cultural pride. His journey from rural to international stardom has positioned him as a of , motivating countless youths to embrace and overcome adversity.

Career achievements

Championships won

Belingon began his title-winning career in the local Philippine promotion Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), where he captured the Flyweight Championship on April 2, 2011, defeating Isaac Tuling via first-round TKO (head kick and punches) at URCC 19: Collision. This victory marked his ninth consecutive professional win and established him as a dominant force in Southeast Asian MMA during the promotion's early years, though no defenses are recorded before he vacated the belt to pursue international opportunities. The title reign, lasting approximately one year, highlighted Belingon's rapid rise from regional competitions and solidified his status as an early pioneer in Philippine mixed martial arts. Transitioning to ONE Championship, Belingon earned his first global title on July 27, 2018, at ONE: Reign of Kings, where he outpointed then-lightweight and featherweight champion via unanimous decision over five rounds to claim the ONE Interim World Championship. This win, following a string of contention victories against top contenders like Andrew Leone, propelled him to unification status. Just four months later, on November 9, 2018, at ONE: Heart of the Lion, Belingon dethroned long-reigning champion via , becoming the undisputed ONE World Champion in a highly anticipated bout. Belingon's undisputed reign lasted 142 days, ending abruptly on March 31, 2019, at ONE: A New Era, when he was disqualified in the third round against for delivering illegal elbows while Fernandes was grounded, awarding the title back to the Brazilian via DQ. During his brief but impactful tenure as champion, Belingon defended the belt zero times but elevated Philippine MMA's profile internationally as the second Filipino to hold a ONE world title, following , and as a key member of Team Lakay's historic run of successes. His accomplishments underscored the growing prowess of Filipino fighters on the global stage, inspiring national pride and contributing to ONE's expansion in the .

Notable accomplishments and records

Belingon began his professional MMA career with an undefeated streak of nine consecutive victories from 2007 to 2011, showcasing his early dominance in regional promotions across the and . During this period, he secured wins via a mix of decisions, submissions, and knockouts, establishing a foundation for his reputation as a versatile striker rooted in wushu sanda. Among his standout victories against elite competition, Belingon defeated former ONE Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion Martin Nguyen by unanimous decision in July 2018, a performance that highlighted his endurance and tactical striking in a high-stakes interim title bout. Similarly, he knocked out American wrestler Andrew Leone in the second round with a spinning back kick and punches at ONE: Heroes of Honor in April 2018, demonstrating his explosive counter-attacking ability against grapplers. These triumphs over top contenders underscored Belingon's rise within ONE Championship's bantamweight division. Belingon holds the distinction of facing more times than any other opponent in his career, with their spanning five encounters between 2016 and 2025, including title fights and non-title bouts that tested his resilience against one of MMA's most accomplished grapplers. His knockout prowess is evident in his career statistics, where he achieved 8 s or TKOs out of 20 total wins, representing a 40% finish rate by strikes—a notably high figure that has positioned him among ONE Championship's most prolific Filipino artists. Prior to 2016, Belingon earned recognition in bantamweight rankings, peaking at No. 47 globally in October 2015 and climbing to No. 52 by January 2016 according to independent MMA analytics, reflecting his consistent performances in regional and international circuits. He received several honors in the Philippines, including the 2018 ONE Warrior of the Year award for his undefeated run that year, and citations at the 2016 Kafagway Sports Awards and the 2019 Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night alongside fellow ONE champions. Overall, Belingon's professional record stands at 20 wins and 11 losses, with his striking finishes providing key context to his impact as a pioneer for Filipino MMA talent in global promotions.

References

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